Album review: DAMIAN WILSON – Built For Fighting

Blacklake [Release date 09.09.16]

This is only Damian Wilson’s fourth solo album and his first in over ten years, mind you we can let him off as he has been busy with Threshold, Headspace and Maiden United to name but a few.

Damian’s solo work may not appeal to some Threshold/Headspace fans due to its melodic/AOR sound. That is their loss though as the gentler side of Damian’s vocal range shines through on songs like ‘Impossible’ and ‘Fire’. His voice really is compelling, not one you can listen to as background music as you are drawn in to hear what he is singing about. The pace does get cranked up occasionally and ‘Sex & Vanilla’ rocks like good ‘un.

‘Thrill Me’ is a blissful piece of pop rock and a tune I am sure BBC Radio 2 would play if they could persuaded. An album highlight, along with ‘Somebody’, a song for anybody lucky enough to have that special someone in their lives.

His years touring in ‘Les Misérables’ must have helped in his skill in pouring his heart and soul into each song, none more so than on ‘Battlelines’. A song you can lose yourself in and heed its message.

I would urge you to give this a listen if you haven’t already sampled the delights of Damian’s solo work. Those who have already will need no encouraging and are in for a treat. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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