Album Review: Gilbert O'Sullivan, Gilbert O'Sullivan

His original novelty act attire may have detracted slightly from an awareness of Gilbert O'Sullivan's real status as a classic songwriter, but nearly 50 years after his initial success with 'Nothing Rhymed', he now brings us his 19th studio album. It displays a true mastery of melody, with the singer's lyrical touch as assured as ever.

The gently loping opening track 'At The End of The Day' brings the listener right back to those early years, with O'Sullivan's voice remaining hugely impressive. 'The Same The Whole World Over' is already scoring points as a single, and it also boasts sturdy Hammond Organ courtesy of Ida Mae, making for a tasty McCartneyesque tune. There's a brisk, upbeat feel to the similarly Beatlesque 'What Is It About My Girl', and the catchy 'Penny Drops' has casually funky drumming and organ. Elsewhere, the no-nonsense rocker 'This Riff' boogies its way into your cranium and will probably lodge there forever.

This analogue-recorded album has an appealing live feel, as if the man needs no studio trickery to wield his magic, just a tight band of sympathetic musicians. Producer Ethan Johns (Laura Marling, Kings of Leon) generally lets the music do the talking, and there are notable guest contributions from guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low and Chas Hodges on piano (yes, he of Chas and Dave).

This is vintage O'Sullivan. There may be no shocks or surprises – but when the song quality is this good, to complain would be ridiculous.

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Rating: 8/10