Highly effective and uplifting, Michael J. Valentine’s most up-to-date album, Alive, presents among the greatest non secular music has to supply, offering listeners with a glimpse into the significant connection between physique, thoughts and soul.  

Inspiration for the report will be traced again to Valentine’s long-standing relationship between his music and religion, having roots in church and gospel music, in addition to a robust affinity for the rock style. Valentine can be a talented multi-instrumentalist, additional including to the depth of the report’s musical parts.  

The album’s opener, “Rise” instantly fills you up inside, with its sturdy and dynamic sound. It goes, “Been to hell and again/ On this life I’ve seen all of it/ Darkness despair/ Felt I used to be a bit of uncontrolled/ Observe your coronary heart/ Attain everlasting divine and rise.” Beginning off on a musical excessive, this primary monitor completely encompasses the emotions of affection and hope, which run all through the whole album.  

Coming in subsequent is “Grateful” an acoustic monitor, with loads of coronary heart. The refrain performs, “Look over my shoulder cease residing previously/ Seek for the that means to this terrible loneliness/ Thanks for the fortitude that offers us peace of thoughts/ Lucky for a life that’s so effectively outlined.” This track actually makes you consider what’s most necessary, placing into perspective all that there’s to be pleased about, regardless of the trials and tribulations which regularly lay forward of us. Nearly halfway via, the melody additionally picks up and takes on a a lot swifter tempo from beginning with a lighter sound, including a extra textured really feel to the track.  

The candy and mild ballad, “Human Kindness,” sends listeners on a lyrical journey, exploring the true that means of affection and religion, via the expression of empathy. “Love is stronger than anger/ watch it fade away/ what is true and what’s actual/ the reality will set you free/ Human kindness/ that’s what love can do/ human kindness/ that’s what the world wants love, “Valentine sings. Maybe greater than another monitor, “Human Kindness” emphasizes the sensitivities of human nature and the methods during which folks can discover function via accepting and supporting each other. 

Closing out the album is Valentine’s aptly named title monitor, “Alive.” This track factors to the highs and lows of self-acceptance and the significance of following your inside voice. It goes, “You settle for me as I’m/ it’s all a part of a grasp plan/ a depraved lifetime to obviously see/ ignite the soul and really feel really free/ Silvering lining in these occasions of gray/ I’m lookin’ atcha and also you’re not so far-off/ Alive.” The track proves deeply profound, addressing feelings of confusion, pleasure, concern and hope; every little thing it means to actually be alive.  

The 12-track report asks listeners to look inside themselves and seek for their supply of inside power, ardour and love. Full of messages of fact, sincerity and religion, Alive is transferring to its core and a joyous coming collectively of music and spirituality.  Reviewed by Francesca Creavey