John Paul Elliott – Saint Paul – Album Review | The Ark of Music – The best music in the world…you never knew existed.

Grays Essex-based Scottish singer songwriter, John Paul Elliott, is living, breathing proof that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams and to create one’s art.

Performing regularly across Essex & London, this lively spirit only picked up the guitar a mere 4 yrs ago. And, with no time to waste, Elliott has released his sophomore solo album, Saint Paul—an album full of songs about love, sex, death, positivity & social commentary—which is the follow-up to 2017’s respectable rambunctious rock effort, North To South.

HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…

Opening with, I’m A Saint, Brit-rock influences such as Elvis Costello and Oasis come to mind, in this jubilatory ode to the saving grace of love.

With a ripping good bit of mouth-harp (that’s harmonica for you youngsters), On The Stairs puts aside its predecessor’s altruism, replacing it with the raw and instinctual excitement that occurs at the possibility of new sex…

“Who’s leading who, well I don’t know
But I know I like it, and I’m enjoying the show
Well, I love you baby, from your feet to your hair
So let’s make love, on the stairs…”

OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Things begin to quiet a bit in the lovely acoustic number, Losing Your Halo; a sweet plea to a lover to undress without fear. A delightful dabbling of keys and strings create a soft, ambient pillow of sound which make quite an argument in his favor…

“I’ll be there to watch you undress
I’ll be the man who always gives his best
To you…”

You Are Loved (Michelle’s Song) immediately brings the likes of David Gray to mind.

Tough Old Life feels like some 90’s college rock thing (think: Counting Crows or The Rembrandts). It’s a fantastically nostalgic piece of relatable music…

“Search for the sunshine, take comfort when you can
Feel the love, take pleasure and understand
It’s up to you, it’s up to you…”

Acoustic slide guitar in, Tide Will Turn, adds a magic quality to this ode to optimism.

Concluding with, I Thought You Were The One, this lively and unique piece of Brit-rock feels like Roy Orbison cut a track with Elvis Costello in this ironically lively and up-spirited post-break-up piece.

IN CONCLUSION…
Tangibly hand-crafted. Beautifully simple. Delightfully honest. John Paul Elliott’s latest album, Saint Paul, offers an aged & experienced brand of singer-songwriter poise which an artist who’s only four years into his craft simply should not possess—and yet, here we are. Whether shamelessly detailing the magic of flesh and sex, or mourning the loss of love’s possibility—or of life itself—Elliott is articulate enough to make his point(s), and yet graceful enough to keep your ear. It’s a wonderful project from a promising up-and-comer.

WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Elvis Costello meets David Gray with a touch of Oasis…

BELOW: Check out our full artist interview with John Paul Elliott, listen to his album, Saint Paul, connect with his website and social media platforms, watch his music video, and find his booking & contact information. Please support John Paul Elliott by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!