ALEX LINDSEY JONES - If She Knew

A CD REVIEW By Pat Frisina

'If She Knew' is a fine collection of pop/rock songs that are extrapolated from the heart with a quality and production that make it pure listening pleasure. Alex's unique voice is rich, husky and full bodied, the likes of which I haven't heard for a long time and is hard to place, but if I had to compare it, I would say he bears  some likeness to a soulful Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams with a tinge of Rob Thomas but with an annunciation all his own. His songs are honest and true blending heartfelt lyrics and infectious singalong melodies with just the right mix of dynamics and subtleness. Skillfully produced by Simon Tonx and Alex Lindsey Jones and recorded, engineered and mastered by Oscar Gaona at Suburbia Music Studios, Sydney, this carefully crafted debut album is a product of the finest calibre making it very hard to take off the player. Standout tracks are 'Your Love is Amazing' 'Saint', 'Real Thing', 'Smile', 'Remember You' and 'Come Back real Soon'

Without any messing around, the single 'Your Love Is Amazing' is a strong opening track and hits you straight up with it's punchy dynamics, poppy, feelgood melody and a catchy chorus that takes up residence in your headspace. It also features some light piano, lively drums and excellent guitarwork which is prevalent throughout the album in differing shades and tones. Down a notch, 'Hold the Hand' is a nice flowing and soulful ballad featuring some guitar picking, smooth organ and some subtle vocal effects with great harmonies in the outro, complimenting the lead vocal. Next is my favourite track on the album, 'Saint' which I just can't get enough of. Downhearted and charged with emotion, it sits just right, leading with soft piano and featuring subtle dynamics and effects and a slide guitar that cries out through the song as the artist reveals in all honesty, "none of us are perfect, and no matter how much we try to change our ways, we are what we are". Mostly guitar driven featuring some bright riffs and an impressive lead break, 'I Just Wanna Be' builds with some nice, airy harmonies from the outset then kicks in with a lively rhythm flowing into a big chorus. Upbeat and poppy, "Real Thing' with its Dylan-ish poetic verse and syncopated rhythm, wastes no time leaping head first into a refreshing chorus and features overlayed guitar harmonies in the outro. Smile (The Long Run) honest with a great melody and chord progression, it leads into a rocky chorus setting a steady pace for the rest of the song. 'Remember You' a well written and produced love song that with its sincerity and relevance, tears at the heartstrings. 'When You're Gone' encompasses a nice strutting rhythm laced with slide guitar giving it a slight, midwest feel. It features great dynamics and a subtle dual vocal harmony. 'Whole Again' is a neat upbeat, poppy tune that rings true with many of us and is sure to start the healing process. 'Breathless' Alex's unmistakable timbre is backed by light choral harmonies in this sweeping anthem gracefully blended with church organ, subtle slide and a southern style harmonica solo. The closing track 'Come Back real Soon' is a classic 80's style rock song with funky bass and prominent guitar which beautifully bags a whole range of guitarists of the era.  With a great melody and production, it completes this meaningful, radio ready album leaving you on a high and reaching for the play button again. Alex Lindsey Jones is one of those special, gifted songwriter/artists that listeners will love...and I have a hunch that this brillant, first album is just a taste of bigger things to come. Enjoy. Paz