Laura Rain & The Caesars – Rise Again (Vinyl)

Description

The release was heralded by two fine singles… ‘I Am’ and ‘Rise Again’ itself. The former was/is an up-tempo mover with a classic Northern/Motown soul feel and Laura belts it out with all the conviction that we’ve already come to expect from her. Lyrically it’s no throwaway;  the song is a declaration of self-independence and a celebration of everyone’s unique identity. ‘Rise Again’ was a slower, soulful  outing – an organ-led, old school builder.

Those two tunes get the ‘Rise Again’ album off to a flying start and the remaining eight tracks yield plenty more soul gems. ‘I Can Fly’ is a powerful, mid-tempo groove; ‘Diamond In The Rough’ has a Southern soul flavour; ‘Runnin’ In Circles’ and ‘Super Hero are both insistent; while the closing ‘Take My Hand’ is a dramatic ballad.

That leaves a trio of tracks thar are outstanding by any yardstick. First up there’s the lithe, Latin-flavoured ‘We Can Do Better’, then try ‘I’m Yours’ – one of the sweetest little soul tunes you’ll hear this year. Finally there’s the wonderful ‘Bring It On Back’ another showcase for Ms Rain’s unique and powerful melismatic voice and George’s sympathetic production – this one could prove to be Laura’s next ‘Closer to the Win’.