As a relative later-comer to the music of Jon Stevens he’s always been a solo artist to me rather than the ex-lead vocalist of iconic Aussie band Noiseworks. ‘Starlight’ is his tenth solo release and his highest charting domestically to date and deservedly so. After stints fronting INXS and The Dead Daisies he’s back to his eclectic best with an album written in Nashville in collaboration with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame, who also produced.
Unlike some albums that plough a steady path and stick themselves in a genre rut Stevens manages to keep it fluid and more than interesting, bringing together the Rock and Soul he does so well together with other influences as diverse as Gospel and Pop. ‘Holding On’ which opens is Jon at his rocking best but its the Blues of tracks like ‘Oh Lord’ and the sweet soulful Gospel of ‘All About the People’ which really shine.
Elsewhere the mournful ballad ‘One Way Street’ which features drums by ex-Beatle Ringo Starr really takes a grip on you and refuses to let go. ‘Starlight’ is an album shot through with some deeply personal lyrics and reflections on lives lived, and that gives it both an everyman appeal and opens up Stevens to his audience in a way few manage to do as sincerely. There’s plenty of other great moments though – Aussie Pop singer Vanessa Amorosi does a great job on ‘Something Like You’ and the title track ‘Starlight’, though dark, has one of the most memorable choruses you’ll hear all year.
Picking favourites here is pretty redundant as there’s not a whiff of filler and tracks like ‘What Makes You Happy’ just about sum it all up. This is a great album. As for the songs and Stewart’s input – it’s a collaboration that works so well you hope there will be more in the future.
Check out the great documentary about the album on Jon’s website.
