Faithful to Love

In a world where sex, violence, and uncertainty permeate the lyrics of popular music, one Dutchman continues to convey the message of folk music: love music and one another. Ad Vanderveen has released 16 solo albums and his 2009 effort, Faithful to Love, has stayed true to his own devotion to the folk genre. The album is an acoustic collection of nine original tunes and two covers, and features Kersten de Ligny on supporting vocals. While the sentiments of the album are not new, Vanderveen presents them with an earnestness that makes the listener remember why folk music was, and continues to be, so popular. His respect for tradition is evident on tracks like "Bottom Drops Out," with its rhythmic strumming and minor tonality. His sweet voice, which blends beautifully with de Ligny's, delivers his pure lyrics without a hint of irony. On "Lose the Sorrow," he sings, "Wanna be the Dad I never had," and although this aspiration is not unique, Vanderveen portrays his feelings with great sincerity. The album is not groundbreaking, but Vanderveen once again has made an earnest, heartfelt collection that reminds us, in an increasingly cynical time, just how beautiful and true music can be.