★★★★☆
Shining with the all-encompassing love that resonates through all of Archie Roach’s work, his tenth studio albumLet Love Ruleharbours 11 tracks filled with pure human essence and warm musicianship.
On the second release to come after a string of personal setbacks, Roach has managed to follow up superbly by delving into elements of country, soft rock and blues, as well as collaborating with the likes of powerhouse vocalist Emma Donovan, Deborah Cheetham’s Dhungala Children’s Choir and the Short Black Opera choir.
Opening with the emotionally charged title track, the record then reveals one of its standouts in ‘Mighty Clarence River’, with its guitar twang backing a tale of Roach’s ancestors crossing the river to establish a better life. There’s a wealth of soul on this record too, as ‘Get Back To The Land’ showcases a more impassioned and slightly rasping vocal delivery, and ‘No More Bleeding’ closes the whole affair with angelic choir tones, heavily resonating keys and light strings.
Let Love Rule is possibly the most healing album of 2016. It’s an album that works through the strife and complexities that we currently face as humans and, backed by organic instrumentation, instils in us that love is the only way forward.
Archie Roach’sLet Love Ruleis available now through Liberation.
