Linda McLean

CD: No Language
(Nettwerk)

Linda McLean - No Language (Bongo Beat)

McLean is a Canadian singer and songwriter and on this, her second album, she stakes her claim to be one of the most vital of the current crop of females working in the country tinged rock idiom. Chock full of radio friendly songs with strong backing from her band which includes her partner and co writer, Andy McLean, on guitars, there are some gems here which are enhanced by her excellent voice. Strong and clear she soars above clarion guitar calls on "What I'm After" and "All Around." At times reminiscent of the underrated talents of Cindy Lee Berryhill's "Straight out of Maryville" particularly on "Almost Alien," there are also hints of Suzanne Vega in "Only One." Lyrically McLean paints portraits of lost love and broken relationships for the most part although on "Calling" she dips a toe into political waters with a tale of a broken soldier and on the throbbing pulse of "Amsterdam Canals" she sings a tribute of sorts to the late Johnny Cash.

There are some quibbles, on her slower numbers such as the title song McLean veers dangerously close to MOR territory and overall there is the suspicion of a calculated attempt to shift units by adopting various successful styles but overall the quality of writing, performance and production nudges this album into a should hear category.

by Duke Dali on June 10th, 2007
Crooked Rain, Scotland

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