What a journey it’s been for Edwyn Collins, the legendary Scottish songwriter who suffered a cerebral haemorrhage in 2005, and whose long and painful path to recovery was memorably detailed in a BBC documentary narrated by Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand. Given that Collins had considerable difficulties getting his speech and coordination back after his illness, it is remarkable – not to mention incredibly heartening – to hear him back crafting memorable songs again.
Having penned classics like ‘Rip It Up’ and ‘A Girl Like You’ during a brilliant career, Collins is a true master of the songwriting art, something to which the opening track on Understated – his second album following his recovery after 2010’s Losing Sleep – bears testament. The groovy art-pop of opener ‘Dilemma’ (“Dilemma – that’s me all over,” croons Collins) is the type of tune at which he excels, whilst ‘Baby Jean’ has a moodier feel whilst still retaining a catchy rhythm. Throughout, the album alternates nicely between light and shade, with the upbeat summery feel of ‘Carry On, Carry On’ offsetting more melancholy tunes such as ‘It’s A Reason’ and ‘Down The Line’.
Undoubtedly, though, the album’s most powerful moment arrives on the reflective ballad ‘Forsooth’, where Collins simply sings, “I’m so lucky to be alive”. It’s a standout line on an impressive album.