Share the words anonymously with the poetry-inclined and approval is forthcoming. Share the musical nuances detached from the lyrics and sound geeks offer a nod. Combine these two essential elements and the result is Ben Glover back at the peak of the singer-songwriter mantle. A past canon of carefully curated songs left this Nashville-based Northern Irishman heavily stocked in the credit bank and at ease to decide whether a resume would further furnish the pile. Major winners in this return to form include those with the forensic demeanour to extract multiple nuggets from the past work, whether on solo records, co-writing with the acclaimed or joining forces in the Orphan Brigade. Without glossing over 2020s short EP, it's been six long years since diving deep into a full length solo Ben Glover album. Roads may have branched off elsewhere in the intervening years, but AND THE SUN BREAKS THROUGH THE SKY brings things right back into focus with a compelling collection of nine finely crafted songs.
A quick scan down the credits reveals familiarity in abundance. Co-writing has been a fruitful path for Ben Glover and all but one materialise from that route. It's fitting that 'Make My Way Own' opens the album as the sole solo write due to the personal flavour pouring from the lyrics. Being greeted by the lines: 'Life can be a sweet conversation/between the dark and light' heralds a constant thread of poignant phrases spun like a poet web. A familiar name in Jaimee Harris lends her vocals to a track elaborately decorated. This links sleekly into a a couple of songs co-written with Harris' associate Mary Gauthier. This powerful partnership of pedigree prospers again with 'The Meadow' laced with southern sentiment and 'Till We Meet Again' proving the set piece closer awash with a lyrical structure synonymous of Danny Schmidt at his best. Both these songs appeared on Gauthier's DARK ENOUGH TO SEE THE STARS album, a continuing trait of co-written songs have multiple lives.
We are accustomed to albums of this nature being produced by Neilson Hubbard. Not on this occasion though as Glover and Dylan Alldridge (another familiar names behind the controls) share the production duties. Hubbard does appear as the writing collaborator on title track 'And the Sun Breaks Though the Sky'. Keeping the East Nashville theme ticking is the usual link with Kim Richey. The two have been a touring combo in the past and team up with a pair of tracks on the record. 'One Fine Day' emerged as an early pick and the poetic intent in the writing marks the card whether wrapping your ears around the song or taking time to read the lyrics. 'Break For You' blossoms in the closing stages of the record with the mood for savouring excellence bedded in.
Two names not recognised in the writing stakes take their place suggesting a move to keep the process fresh. 'There's a River' written with Eliot Bronson adopts a wealth of imagery that once again met with approval in poetic circles. Kent Agee assisted in the creation of 'Lifetimes Apart', a piece with a slight sound deviation courtesy of some faint strains of flugelhorn enhancing a lighter produced number.
Trading songs with the greats has long been a Ben Glover forte. 'Arguing with Ghosts' did have a second life in 2020s low key EP release, but it's 2024 re-surfacing will further elevate the traction that is one of the integral reasons Gretchen Peters is a giant among song writing peers. It is interesting to note Matraca Berg made this a triple co-write in the day, a name we don't hear much of these days but is sorely missed. Together an absolute gem was created that lavishly opened Peters' masterclass project DANCING WITH THE BEAST. A sketchy memory somewhere in the distant past links the song to Peters' mother. Either way pouring over the majestic writing and six-year update on the production is a fine pursuit. It is also interesting to assess how a different version can be vocally owned. Ben Glover is adept at this as exemplified elsewhere on the release.
With such a strong record marking a celebrated return to the present array of astutely delivered song writing albums, the next stage is to re-establish some live presence. Always the part of the game with the most logistical challenges, yet when overcome unfiltered sharing becomes the icing. However you can separate the live from the studio, and the songs meticulously wrapped in the various formats of AND THE SUN BREAKS THROUGH THE SKY penetrate willing ears in the record form. Poetically dreamt, creatively produced - it is good to welcome the music of Ben Glover back.
