Album review: ALLAN CLARKE – Resurgence

BMG [Release date 20.09.19]

Former Hollies singer Allan Clarke returns with his first new album in 29 years after he had seemingly retired from music back in 1990. However, his son Toby set him on the road to recording this album by suggesting his dad used GarageBand and that’s exactly what he did to record ‘Resurgence’. It is a bit of a family affair with another of his children Sam playing guitar on a few songs and his wife Jeni produced the sculpture that adorns the album cover.

Allan Clarke has a rich, bluesy vocal perfect for emotionally charged songs like ‘You Broke My Heart’ (one you could imagine Chris Farlowe having a go at) and the country single ‘Journey Of Regret’.

One thing’s for sure after many years penning hits he has lost none of the magic required to write a memorable tune, be it ‘I’m Only Sleeping’ or the good time rock ‘n’ roll of ‘Heart Of Stone’. The latter could either be about a failed relationship or possibly a pop at some of his former band mates?

Hollies fans will enjoy ‘Long Cool Woman’s Back In Town’, a sequel to that band’s 1972 hit ‘Long Cool Woman (In A Long Black Dress)’. Also the rockiest song on here, featuring a chunky guitar riff and bursts of harmonica from Clarke.

Certainly a surprising comeback given Clarke’s lack of recording activity of late, however ‘Resurgence’ is a decent set of tunes and fans will be pleased by this album, plus the news there could be new music from Clarke and fellow Hollies founder member Graham Nash at some point in the future. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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