Album Review: Tom Chaplin, The Wave

It’s not easy to break free from your past, but Tom Chaplin proves with his first solo album that he’s ready for the challenge of becoming more than just the singer with Keane. For the first time, Chaplin is the only songwriter on show – and it’s his lyrical flair that makes this album. The songs reflect the struggle he has been going through over the years, from the beginning of Keane’s fame until now. The Wave is very layered, but Chaplin’s remarkable candour remains the key element throughout.

There is despair in the opening song ‘Still Waiting’. That feeling evolves through the album, with the singer taking you on a trip through some of his darkest moments in tracks like ‘Hardened Heart’ and ‘Worthless Words’.

The desperate plea in ‘Hold On To Our Love’, in which Chaplin bares his soul as he begs his wife for a second chance, is strengthened by the tenderness in his voice. His plea turns into hope which continues on into ‘Quicksand’, dedicated to his daughter: “And if the world shakes/ Your brittle heart breaks/ We will patch it up/ We’ll work it out”.

The closing number and title track is a hauntingly beautiful composition, where The Band and Bugles of the Rifles Regiment accompany Chaplin, as he sings about taking everything that life throws at you.

The Wave is a very personal record that offers hope in a sometimes very dark world.