Liverpool, England is known worldwide for its musical heritage, and the folk country band The Good Intentions are near-perfect musical ambassadors with the new album "Someone Else's Time." But from the evidence presented in the 11-song album, it is clear that the project should have been called "Our Time" That's because The Good Intentions star shines bright on their seemingly mistitled album "Someone Else's Time."
A famous quote says that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but the opposite is true for the Liverpool band members who named themselves The Good Intentions who have the sound of modest angels sent from heaven to bestow beautiful music to the world. In most cases, praise like this would be over-the-top and undeserved, but no so here. The Good Intentions begin the album with the quiet but masterful folk track "Gone So Long," which will have Americana radio program managers squealing with delight. The elegant production and laid-back cut will perfectly suit folk and Americana radio and could find country fans as well.
The first thing that needs to be understood about The Good Intentions is that the band is not flashy and does not screech or get too excited. However, the music - like the second song "Black Train" - is infectious. "Black Train" has a bluegrass and folk sound that is upbeat - but not too fast. In short, it's just right.
The ever-tasteful band The Good Intentions push the envelope slightly with the remarkably memorable (and hummable) "Everybody Loves A Drinking Man," which could be a hit on both on BBC Radio 2 in the UK and a few different Americana and folk channels on Sirius XM in the USA.
The dark "Coal Miner's Lament" is sung with reverence, and the track provides evidence of the band's musical heroes, such as Gillian Welch. The best song on the album is the fast-paced "The Cold Wind," which is a surprise featuring superb instrumentation and excellent vocal performance skills.
The sixth song, "Dark Stranger," arrives at the album's midpoint and will have folk fans rejoicing. The track showcases The Good Intentions beautiful vocal harmonies. "Oh My Darling" has much of the same charm, and listeners will get lost in the euphoric feeling in their hearts as the music helps conjure up memories of the past as they sing of "springtime."
The album takes on a more serious tone with "Lonely Train," and the imagery created by the lyrics paints a vivid picture: "The bells from the wildwoods still chime down the line as I wait for the train." The theme of death again surfaces in a major way with "Send The Devil Back To Hell," which is a very slow and somber song that oozes sincerity. However, the intense lyrics and stark title could actually make the song a hit for either a heavy metal band or even a contemporary Christian rock band.This is only notable because well-written songs are artistic works that can be interpreted in various ways, and that's the case here.
Thankfully, sweeter sounds reemerge on the easy-going country song "Western Lullaby," which is well-served by its top-notch production, and the song could get radio action. The album ends perfectly with the folk track "The Sound Of Time Passing," which is a warm and fuzzy cut that leaves the listener full of hope and goodwill.
The album "
Someone Else's Time" by The Good Intentions is a remarkably self-assured and confident album that deserves attention for its quiet but potent delivery. However, the powerful lyrics and melodic choruses will have you returning to the album time and time again. The Good Intentions talked about time passing in the final track, and country, folk and Americana aficionados should make sure that at least some of their time
and "someone else's time" - like friends and family - is spent listening to this surprisingly accomplished and intellectually honest recording.
CountryChart.com
Hard work by Red Dirt bands is not often recognized by the Grammy Awards. However, Reckless Kelly's "Good Luck & True Love" received a well-deserved Grammy nomination for its terrific album packaging on the band's hit album. Art directors Sarah Dodds and Shauna Dodds provided a comprehensively compelling package for "Good Luck & True Love" that was heralded by this magazine in August 2011 as "one of the best" album packages of any audio recording this year. Read full album review by clicking here. 
