Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation

Edwyn Collins circa 2025 is a man who has lived a few lives, and the strength and wisdom he has gained and held on to over the years come through on Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation. Working at his own studio with trusted collaborators like Carwyn Ellis, James Walbourne, producers Sean Read and Jake Hutton, and his son William, Collins delivers a set of romping Northern soul-influenced rockers and introspective ballads, spiced with the occasional post-punk jaunt and, surprisingly, one British folk song that comes compete with bird sounds and penny whistle. The lyrics tell simple truths made more impressive by the gravity with which Collins delivers them. For example, many singers have come to the conclusion that love is terrifying, but Collins makes this observation feel like a brand-new discovery on the thumping "The Heart Is a Foolish Little Thing." That song is one of many that feature expanded backing vocals, a nice touch that gives the album an extra bit of warmth. The bubbly country ballad "Knowledge" is one of the tracks that benefit from the treatment, and its a late-period classic that reminds listeners that Edwyn is forever more than capable of busting a heart wide open. Elsewhere, the band sounds tight and as adept at rattling the walls or getting dark and moody ("Strange Old World") as they are with being as delicate as spiders on intimate songs like "The Mountains Are My Home." It seems like maybe someone slipped a few C&W records into Collins listening pile, as that influence certainly comes through from time to time. As mentioned previously, he also takes a crack at a traditional folk-sounding track -- "The Bridge Hotel" -- and does a fine job there too. Just to make the record one of his most well-rounded, he also slips in a sneering protest song on the title track, and on the lounge-y acoustic guitar-led, bossa nova-inspired "Rhythm Is My Own World," he shows he could have been an MOR crooner given a few different bounces of the ball. Its a lovely way to end a record that is sure to fill Edwyn Collins fans with an endless supply of joy. Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation stands with Edwyns best work, and to still have him making records with songs this memorable, performances this strong, and a voice that cuts right through all the nonsense and makes a beeline for the soul...its something to be treasured. ~ Tim Sendra