Thought-provoking new album combines artistry with important messages
IN 1999, Nitin Sawhney delivered his deeply meaningful landmark album Beyond Skin, which tackled important themes of identity and wrapped them up in impactful musical numbers that made an instant connection with listeners.
Now 22 years later, he has delivered Immigrants, which
is the official sequel to that album and comes along at a time when the world is in turmoil. He once again captures important messages in marvellous musical numbers that combines the artistry of the British musical genius with his storytelling power.
Like Beyond Skin, the instantly appealing songs are slow burners that get better with each listen and slowly evolve in the mind. The consistently good album is loaded with tracks that offer the listener a different type of connection, all while being a pleasurable listen.
While some will relate to the deeply emotional messaging, others will form a connection with music that makes you feel something, including ones in languages you may not understand. The fact Immigrants has global influences is fitting because it is very much for a multi-cultural audience and is a collection of songs that can bring people together during these divided times we live in.
Although it is unfair to single out individual tracks as standout ones, the ones that do shine include Down The Road, Replay, Differences and Sawubona. The interludes, although powerful don’t add a lot to the album and a few tracks need more than a few spins to fully form a connection with listeners.
Although the music and vocals are flawless, there was scope to inject more power into the lyrics. All of that isn’t able to prevent this from being a frontrunner for album of the year and that is why it deserves to be found. Don’t be surprised if it is nominated for prestigious music prizes in the next award season.