So I'm in Applebee's a few days ago having lunch with some friends. I hear over the din of conversation and clinking silverware an almost forgotten song from way back playing on the radio. Of course, I'm referring to "Lullaby," the only song I've ever heard from Shawn Mullins to my knowledge. At least, the only song I was ever familiar with. I make a remark about how I hadn't heard this song in years and kind of wish the din of conversation would drop to a dull roar long enough for me to catch the tune and see if it's stood the test of time.
Well, I hear it just enough to know I still like it, so I search here on Amazon for it, purchase it -- largely expecting to only like the song for which I plunked down the cash. I figured, "Hey, the price is cheap enough and it's a good enough song. Maybe they'll be one or two more on the disc that won't be half bad and that'll be worth the price of admission."
Boy, was I wrong about that! Not just one or two songs, but every song on this CD is incredible! I mean, the guy does what he does, and he does it well -- better than most, I might add.
I'm not going to give you a blow-by-blow of what I think of every single song. You don't really care anyway. Suffice it to say, it is well worth the ticket price. However, some highlights that I will mention are:
"The Gulf of Mexico," in which Mr. Mullins communicates a kind of nostalgic desparation wrapped in Americana.
"September in Seattle" is infectious. If you can listen to this song without snapping your fingers or tapping your toes, you're a better man than I.
"Twin Rocks, Oregon" is an interesting piece. Nearly all spoken word except for the chorus, this song tells a story that is both captivating and oddly moving.
"And On a Rainy Night" strikes a serious mood musically and builds tension into a fantastic chorus and driving beat.
"Soul Child" is a bluesy, almost old school R&B tune with a memorable chorus that stays with you long after the last note fades.
"Patrick's Song" is a moving ballad, and there's really no more to say about that.
"Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" reminds me of some old Hank Williams or George Jones country song with some clever lyrics:
"Well, I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt / And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad so I had one more for dessert."
"Shimmer" is another standout song, but I would have liked to have been able to hear Shawn's vocals during the chorus a little better. I saw on one of his CDs an acoustic version of this song and I think I'd like to hear that. Otherwise, the song is brilliant as is the rest of the disc.
Aside from this one production note, "Soul's Core" is an outstanding sonic offering. It is wrapped in bright, brilliant sounds and warm, rich tones and is an extremely well-produced album.
Now, I have to say in all good conscious, and as you have seen from the lyrical quotation above, that there are numerous references to drug and alcohol abuse on this CD. While I don't in any way advocate that lifestyle and quite frankly think it's immoral, pointless and just plain stupid, these lyrics seem to read like a journal of one who has been there and back again, a road weary soul trying to pick his way through life and come off unscathed. Whether that's the truth or not, I don't know; I've never had the pleasure of making Mr. Mullins' aquaintance (and probably never will). Still, the songs are interesting and real and though they deal with the hard realities of life and of the road, they are well-written and intentional.
I have since purchased a couple more Shawn Mullins CDs and will purchase them all in the future if I have the opportunity. The honesty in this music shines through and I'm impressed with such a timeless album. Here I am hearing "Soul's Core" for the first time ten years later and it never seems dated, never seems irrelevant.
If you're into thoughtful lyrics telling an interesting (to say the least) life story of a musician who is apparently doing what he loves, and if you're into guitar playing with finesse and style, by all means pick up "Soul's Core." It just may suprise you like it did me.
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Editorial Reviews
Shawn Mullins Souls Core UK CD album
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 5.59 x 0.39 x 4.92 inches; 3.53 ounces
- Manufacturer : Sony Music CMG
- Run time : 51 minutes
- Date First Available : December 14, 2006
- Label : Sony Music CMG
- ASIN : B000023Y9L
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #547,534 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #3,518 in British & Celtic Folk
- #8,052 in Adult Alternative (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
162 global ratings
How customer reviews and ratings work
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonTop reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2008
- Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023Love. That’s all I got.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2017Beautiful, thoughtful lyrics tells a story in every song on this album. I only knew 2 songs before I bought this CD and now I love them all. I have seen him in concert twice. Once just him & his guitar - beautiful voice. The 2nd time - right on the stage with him....he was with some other musicians....what a treat to hear his voice that close. He sure can sing, write great lyrics & play the guitar. Definitely 5 stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2014I ordered this album for my wife for her birthday, as she loves Shawn Mullins. She has listened to this album so much that I am almost sick of hearing it, but I guess since she loves it so much it must be a good one. Actually I kinda started liking it myself, and that's saying something! But she says she loves it, so that is why I am giving it such a high rating. Not really my style, but she couldn't be happier!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2021this cd does not come with amazon auto rip and will not show up in your amazon music library
- Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2020Best Americana album, or should I say my favorite, in last 20 years
- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2013Shawn's ability to deeply tap into the soul of the human condition of many characters who may live in obscurity in our society is uncanny. "Gulf of Mexico", "Twin Rocks Oregon", "Tannin Bed Song" and "The Balad of Billy Jo McKay" are great examples of his ability to complely transport you, as a silent observer, into the struggles and dreams common to so many souls.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2014I discovered Shawn Mullins shortly after my husband passed away in 1998 and I just love this album. I have always been sort of a loner and his music lets me daydream of places I'd like to go and things I'd like to do or just reminisce of things I have done. Great artist! Great music!
Top reviews from other countries
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Groovemaster-HReviewed in Germany on February 4, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Lieblingsalbum
Mein Lieblingsalbum.
Jetzt auch auf Vinyl … und klingt auch noch gut.
- Sandy EnosReviewed in Canada on June 2, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Thankful I found this again, one of my favourtites!
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Chemari_8Reviewed in Spain on January 9, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Un cantante muy melodioso...
Excelente cantante de baladas y sonidos relajantes.
Lo recomiendo encarecidamente.
Un fuerte abrazo.
- PinkyReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 1, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars great new find
I had never heard of this artist before but I'm so glad to have discovered him .This is soulful bluesy rocky music that talks about about some painful realities in life like betrayal ,exclusion and being poor.Does what a musician is supposed to do and bears his soul .
- George A NymanReviewed in Canada on January 17, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
This is a great cd which likely never will get airplay. Buy it, sit back while driving in your car, and enjoy!!