Mark Kingswood – “Brave Enough”
British singer Mark Kingswood made his debut in 2018 with the album “Stronger” and we had the opportunity to sit down with him soon after to talk about the album and what his plans for the future were. One of those is realised today as Mark releases his second long player, “Brave Enough”. The album has already been preceded by the Bond theme-esque title track and the appropriately named “Alone Together”. So what does ever-climbing-higher Mark have in store for us this time. If you’re into crooners and superb showbiz songs, then this is for you!
“Brave Enough” kicks off with a full-on orchestral version of “Tainted Love” that elevates the song to a new drama, not yet experienced with any previous version. The title track, as previously mentioned, could well be the title theme for the next James Bond film. And why isn’t it?! There’s no imagining with this one. It fits so well within 007 territory. And maybe that was the purpose of this song…? Mark is so well suited to big and bold, I’m championing him for the next film. Something with a bit more lime in the tasting comes with “Spanish Tattoo”, it’s heavier and rockier whilst still enjoying all the Brazilian sounds of a Ricky Martin production. “Alone Together” is a poignant and tender ballad that fits the current times we are all experiencing so well. Mark’s vocal is both heartfelt and gorgeous here and this is definitely one song not to be missed.
Back to the stage with “No More Crazy” as Mark slithers and slides between smoulchy electric guitar chords showing a more sexy aspect to his voice. This theme continues with “Original”, in which Mark aligns himself with the greats such as Williams, Bennett and, yes, even Sinatra. It’s quirky and enough to get your foot tapping along from beginning to end. I’m addicted! “Everybody Wants The Moon” moves through multiple styles with an R&B and soul feel to it. It’s refreshing to have to adapt to each and every production that the ear is presented with as you move through this album. This will work well on a Summer evening when you just want to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio or even by the harbour. “Keep Coming Back” returns us to “Alone Together” territory, minimalistic, acoustic and simplistic, yet beautiful in its execution. Sublime. More Latin shuffles now with “Road To Lonely” which is possible the most kooky song on the album and full of intrigue at the same time.
Mark returns to big showbiz numbers now with “Little Joe’s” that tells of the bar he knows called Little Joe’s and you can almost taste the tobacco smoke and the heat of the night in this track! “Pretend A Little Longer” is yet another outstanding track, slow and gorgeous and very easy to ‘slip’ into and out of. A song to smooch to and enjoy the last dance of the night with a loved one. “Highwayman In The Sky” has its feet firmly set in Country territory and is a mid-tempo set track which I hope Mark will release and make a video for as this is one of my own personal favourite tracks on the album. I see deserts and mirages already…(!) Mark’s tender vocal caresses the smoky “Crimson”, another back to basics track with a very simple and clear message. “I would walk through fire…to reach the one my heart beats for”. Enough said. Mark leaves us when he came in, with drama and soul on “Dream On” that closes with some almighty notes held. More Bond music (please take note producers!).
“Brave Enough” is more than a worthy successor to “Stronger” in so many ways. You can tell Mark just relishes the writing and the music in every song on this album and ends up with something that male artists of multiple decades in the industry would of been proud to get their teeth into and call theirs. This is not Sinatra, this is not Robbie (Williams), this is not Buble, this is very definitely Mark Kingswood and it will, I am sure, elevate him to the highest ranks of the best male singers of our times immediately. The question is, are YOU “Brave Enough” to give it a spin…? I dare you!
Stay in touch with Mark through his WEBSITE and his FACEBOOK page
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