Barry Allen – Where The Heart Is (Album Review)

Today’s review features a returning artist Barry Allen and his album “Where The Heart Is”.

Barry Allen is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from London, England, UK. “Where The Heart Is” was originally released in 2010. The album was produced by Denis Gajetic, who also plays bass, electric, and acoustic guitar on the record. All other sounds, like drums, were created using a keyboard. The album was recorded and produced at Gadget Studios, London, England, UK. Barry claims that this album is his most commercial release, with radio airplay on BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, and BBC Ireland.

So let’s have a listen …

A Happier Face starts with an acoustic guitar strumming, against the sounds of a piano/keyboard, bass, and drums. I’m loving the little arpeggiated lead acoustic guitar runs that dance around the vocals. Barry has a very straightforward and distinctively English voice. With the hook line “Everyone wants a happier face.”

Where The Heart Is – a minor-sounding keyboard kicks off this song, playing a slow dirge. I’m liking the keyboard/horns and piano sounds in the song. Barry sings his own background vocals in the chorus of this song. Eventually, the song opens up with a full string section during the bridge, and then back into the keyboard dirge, ending on a dissonant chord.

I Shall Love You Till the Day I Die starts with an acoustic guitar strumming and Barry singing. I like the movement of the chords in this song. I like how the chorus vocal drops in pitch at the end of the chorus vocal line. “Love is so good for the soul.”

Keep Trying to Succeed starts right off with Barry’s vocal over an acoustic guitar strumming. The song has a lilting vocal style. I’m not particularly digging the songwriting here, too predictable, but I appreciate the effort.

Everyone reminds me of a gay barroom song from the 1890s. I probably would have left this one off the album. The lyrics are simplistic and not particularly enchanting. It almost sounds like a children’s song.

We Need a Reason to Be Friends. Probably Barry’s best work on the album. His voice really shines on this tune. I absolutely love the arpeggiated guitar work and chord arrangement. Give this one a listen.

I Found Love starts with a simple two-chord strumming pattern on the acoustic guitar. The vocal dances back and forth between the chords. A new chord enters in the chorus. “And I found love.” Nice guitar solo.

Never to Be Told starts with a drum beat and a Spanish-style guitar strum. I like the bass line being played in this song, which has a very Gypsy feel. Nice.

Someone is a Christmas song. Lovely chord picking and arrangement. We all have “someone” we can write about, that special “someone.”

Do What You Do For Love starts with a driving drumbeat and an acoustic guitar strumming away. Reminds me of a Jimmy Buffett-style song. “Do what you do for love”. Good advice. A rather melancholy song.

Overall, the album has some interesting songs, but it seems earlier in Barry’s songwriting career. I like his more recent work. This album seems to be missing something, like electric guitars or more power in the songs. The album is pleasant enough to listen to, but sometimes you just want something more.

SCORE/Mediocre: Barry Allen’s “Where The Heart Is” album from 2010 is pleasant enough to listen to, but does not have the power, punch, or good songwriting to propel it to the next level. Mind you, there are some lovely songs and sentiments expressed on the album. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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