Graham Gouldman – I Have Notes
Earlier this month, Graham Gouldman, frontman of the legendary art-rock band 10CC, released another solo album. It has been four years since his previous album “Honestly Forbids” was released, an album that amazed everyone with its high-quality songs. Gouldman has not lost his touch, and his new album “I Have Notes” showcases this once again.
The album opens with “Floating in Heaven,” a collaboration with Queen guitarist Brian May, of which Gouldman is justifiably proud. The song was created in response to the publication of the first photos from the James Webb Space Telescope and is immediately recognizable by Gouldman’s voice and Brian May’s signature guitar playing. This is certainly a remarkable calling card for a new album.
A few years ago, in an interview with Maxazine, a giggling Graham Gouldman, when asked why he wasn’t already enjoying his well-deserved retirement, thoughtfully responded that he wasn’t ready yet. He is still chasing the creation of the perfect song. He knows it doesn’t exist, but how wonderful it is that he strives for it with each album. On this album, “When You Find Love” is a title that meets all the requirements. A beautiful lyric, a golden melody, and a Beatlesque execution, with Hank Marvin also lending his talents. Pop music knows no age. What a beautiful pop song this is.
Some time ago, Gouldman was invited to tour with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band. He wrote the beautiful “Standing Next to Me” about this on his previous album, and on this new album, he even managed to get Ringo to play drums on “Couldn’t Love You More,” a song that feels like a forgotten Beatles track. A performance worthy of deep respect.
The album brings together a piece of British rock royalty. On “Say You Love Me Tonight,” written by Gouldman along with Ian Hornal, who has taken on vocals and guitar for 10CC in recent years, none other than Albert Lee participates. Lee is one of the most influential English guitarists in rock history, having played with the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, and Emmylou Harris. This track is full of joy and musicianship. Music keeps one young. What an excellent album this has become.
In 2022, Gouldman was a guest of honour at the Starmus Festival in Yerevan, Armenia. It was at this arts and science festival that he first performed “Floating in Heaven” live with Brian May. This new album concludes with a live version of “Heart Full of Soul,” which Gouldman composed for The Yardbirds. This live version, featuring Brian May, Simon Phillips, and Bumblefoot (from Sons of Apollo and Guns N’ Roses), is something to be proud of.
All in all, it seems that Gouldman constantly reinvents himself, proving that quality never fades. He remains one of the greatest songwriters ever, and he certainly has not lost his craft. “I Have Notes” is yet another masterpiece. Quality never betrays itself. (9/10) (Lojinx)
