It’s impossible to hide away from Covid 19 taking over our lives. It’s everywhere. On the news, on the radio, on social media, and even in every day to day conversation. But even with the government trying to deter people from striving to achieve a career within the creative industries, it hasn’t stopped Chris Difford from creating Song Club.
This record is not only keeping us entertained during a time of uncertainty and local lockdowns by making light of different aspects of the pandemic, but it also shares happiness, uniting us to remember one thing, we can get through this together. Collating together twenty wholesome tracks to help raise money for the Royal College of Nursing, our attention is finally diverted from uninspiring news and gives us something to smile about once again.
Different subjects surrounding the pandemic such as mental health, the use of masks, the realities of lockdown and the bravery of the frontline workers are all handled and portrayed realistically and maturely and make this album as special as it is. Working On The Frontline takes us through the realities of working as a nurse during that time, allowing us to appreciate their hard work, long hours and emotional durability even more. Clapping on a Thursday was not enough appreciation for everything they did and this track supports this.
Many of these songs are uplifting and motivational, ready to show the listener that there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if you can’t see it yourself. For Us and Hannah Takes Pictures are both gorgeous tracks that enforce beauty back into the world. However, Bitter Sweet takes us on a vulnerable journey, emphasised by the melancholy yet pure sounding piano and strings. This carefully thought out instrumentation has the ability to transport you back to the ongoing fear that everyone faced of losing a loved one whilst still managing to give a glimmer of hope that everything will be ok, eventually.
Of course, there has to be some humour within this awful event and Sick Of The Sight Of You manages to do just that. The reality of being locked inside with someone for 3-4 months was not always picture perfect and this song plays on the idea of not knowing what to say to them anymore and needing serious space.
Song Club is what everyone needs right now, something to lift everyone out of the inevitable rut they are in. Not only has this record managed to accomplish this, but it also is giving the proceeds to a great cause which makes it even more worth a listen.
Score: 4/5
Image Credit: Hannah Grace Deller
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