Chris Norman – Always On My Mind (2022)
Raised on the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, singer-songwriter Chris Norman has a style and sound to stand out from the crowd. Probably most well known as the frontman for Smokie – the band that brought us ‘Living Next Door To Alice’ and ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ – Norman’s vocals meld harmonically with iconic arrangements. I mean, who doesn’t know the song ‘Living Next Door To Alice’, or am I showing my age? In 1986, Norman left Smokie to pursue a solo career and with over 20 solo records, his music has a strong history behind it but also a contemporary edginess that shows a forward-moving quality to his material. The latest release from Chris Norman is his single ‘Always On My Mind’.
As a tribute to legendary musicians like Roy Orbison, The Temptations and Elvis Presley, Chris Norman recently released his album Rediscovered Love Songs with one of the covers being ‘Always On My Mind’. A song frequently covered, ‘Always On My Mind’ has been played with different styles including Willie Nelson, the Pet Shop Boys, and even Emigrate featuring Rammstein’s Till Lindemann on vocals. Chris Norman takes up the gauntlet with a soft, gentle folk-rock tribute to the iconic single.
Smooth, flowing and soothing, Chris Norman sets you off on a glistening sonic river with the delicate melody in ‘Always On My Mind’. Interestingly enough, while the dulcet tones of Norman’s vocals and harmonic arrangement seem to send your soul soaring, he also gives you a tight hug with the warmth of the song. The acoustic-inspired melody adds an extra hint of sentimentality with a basic piano and guitar melody – perhaps it is this that sends shivers down your spine as the song progresses.
I say that there are songs one can easily describe with words and others that you need to listen to for full appreciation of their artistry. Chris Norman’s ‘Always On My Mind’ is something you need to hear to experience the sublime heart-breaking awesomeness that is this song.
For more from Chris Norman check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
