REVIEW: Gilbert O’Sullivan’s album is enjoyable and moreish

On first listening, certain songs stood out for me. I could hear influences throughout but they melded together with an undeniable Gilbertness that pervades the album – A touch of Dylan here; a bit of Beatles there, it does not disappoint.

The first track 'Love Casualty' has a fabulous west coast sound which grew on me with each listen while 'Blue Anchor Bay' is gently nostalgic, and feels of another time. The sweet melody and lyrics tell of memories past on a day out.

'Let Bygones be Bygones' - a duet with Mick Hucknall, of Simply Red fame - has a great message about making up after falling out. The twangy guitar, sweet vocals and gentle melody make it a lovely song, alongside the positive message in his lyrics.

'Body and Soul' is a well crafted song with a catchy tune while 'What Are You Waiting For' has a distinctive John Lennon quality. Both are excellent.

'Let me know' is currently out as a single and a great Gilbert creation.

Following on, 'Take Love' is an instant hit. A duet with KT Tunstall, her vocals are outstanding with a hint of the Olivia Newton-Johns alongside hues as varied as 'The Blues Brothers' and 'The Fine Young Cannibals' yet remains fantastically and undeniably Gilbert throughout.

'Back and Forth' is a slow and bluesy track with a country feel.

'If Only Love Had Ears' is a superb, melodic and poignant track that gets into your soul: Beautiful and nostalgic, it will bring a tear to your eye..

'You Can't Say I Didn't Try' has a touch of Phil Collins about it and is a very good pop song.

The next track on the album, 'You And Me Babe' is simply beautiful. Clapton-esque with a nuance of Dylan, it's still very much its own thing: A sweet sentimental song that shows Gilbert at his best.

'Hey Man' has grown on me in a big way. With a simple melody and message, this well crafted song is catchy enough to have me singing it around the house!

'Don't Get Under Each Other's Skin' is a favourite of mine. I simply love this nostalgic, music hall, Beatles-esque track which, according to Gilbert, has a wide array of people singing along including his family and now, at some distance, me! I recommend this lovely album and give it a big five stars. It has some notable influences, yet is created unmistakeably by Gilbert O'Sullivan and very much his own thing.