Highly effective and uplifting, Michael J. Valentine’s most up-to-date album, Alive, presents a number of the finest religious music has to supply, offering listeners with a glimpse into the significant connection between physique, thoughts and soul.  

Inspiration for the file will be traced again to Valentine’s long-standing relationship between his music and religion, having roots in church and gospel music, in addition to a powerful affinity for the rock style. Valentine can be a talented multi-instrumentalist, additional including to the depth of the file’s musical parts.  

The album’s opener, “Rise” instantly fills you up inside, with its strong and dynamic sound. It goes, “Been to hell and again/ On this life I’ve seen all of it/ Darkness melancholy/ Felt I used to be just a little uncontrolled/ Comply with your coronary heart/ Attain everlasting divine and rise.” Beginning off on a musical excessive, this primary observe completely encompasses the sentiments of affection and hope, which run all through all the album.  

Coming in subsequent is “Grateful” an acoustic observe, with a variety of coronary heart. The refrain performs, “Look over my shoulder cease residing up to now/ Seek for the that means to this terrible loneliness/ Thanks for the fortitude that provides us peace of thoughts/ Lucky for a life that’s so effectively outlined.” This tune actually makes you concentrate on what’s most vital, placing into perspective all that there’s to be pleased about, regardless of the trials and tribulations which regularly lay forward of us. Nearly halfway by, the melody additionally picks up and takes on a a lot swifter tempo from beginning with a lighter sound, including a extra textured really feel to the tune.  

The candy and mild ballad, “Human Kindness,” sends listeners on a lyrical journey, exploring the true that means of affection and religion, by the expression of empathy. “Love is stronger than anger/ watch it fade away/ what is correct and what’s actual/ the reality will set you free/ Human kindness/ that’s what love can do/ human kindness/ that’s what the world wants love, “Valentine sings. Maybe greater than every other observe, “Human Kindness” emphasizes the sensitivities of human nature and the methods through which individuals can discover objective by accepting and supporting each other. 

Closing out the album is Valentine’s aptly named title observe, “Alive.” This tune factors to the highs and lows of self-acceptance and the significance of following your inside voice. It goes, “You settle for me as I’m/ it’s all a part of a grasp plan/ a depraved lifetime to obviously see/ ignite the soul and really feel really free/ Silvering lining in these occasions of gray/ I’m lookin’ atcha and also you’re not so distant/ Alive.” The tune proves deeply profound, addressing feelings of confusion, pleasure, concern and hope; every little thing it means to actually be alive.  

The 12-track file asks listeners to look inside themselves and seek for their supply of inside energy, ardour and love. Stuffed with messages of fact, sincerity and religion, Alive is transferring to its core and a joyous coming collectively of music and spirituality.  Reviewed by Francesca Creavey