Daniel Goodman Song Review

Daniel Goodman is a singer/songwriter in every sense of the word. His songs convey a whole heap of emotions – sadness, desperation, love, passion, loss, longing and hope. His voice is filled with an amazing depth and clarity. He has a wonderful talent for sweeping listeners along with his descriptive words. Nightwatch is a self-released album that shows just how fantastic a singer and a songwriter Daniel Goodman is. Listening to Daniel’s work I am sure listeners will see echoes of Bob Dylan, Tom Russell, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Henderson and Billy Bob Thornton amongst others. Daniel himself says his music is heavily inspired and influenced by the American folk revival as well as the likes of Nick Drake and Woody Guthrie and many other talented singer/songwriters from the world of music past and present.

The title song is also the opening number on this eleven song album by Daniel Goodman. Nightwatch is a delightful and charming song to open the album. Daniel is joined on vocals by Pamela Bernardi, their voices blend perfectly together giving this song an honest raw feeling to it. A touch of folk and country encrusts this lyrically driven song written by Daniel. Daniel and Pamela’s vocals are allowed to take centre stage throughout this song as the backing music is sparse.

San Casciano Blues sees Daniel playing both the guitar and harmonica. As the title suggests this number has a blues feel to it. Daniel’s voice is strong and addictive to listen to. Listening to this song I can hear echoes of Bob Dylan in Daniel’s voice and musical style. Listeners will not be able to resist tapping their feet in time to the beat of this extremely atmospheric number.

Dead Soldiers Tale is another lyric driven song. The mood seems much darker as we reach the third song on this album full of passionately written songs. The lyrics are anything but cheery as the title of the song suggests. Daniel’s voice is gravely adding character to the song. There is an old fashioned feel about this particular number. Daniel plays the guitar on this song, which is well over seven minutes long. Listen closely to the lyrics of this song and engross yourself in the story Daniel is trying to convey and those seven minutes will fly by. This is a cleverly crafted song that sets Daniel head and shoulders above the average crowd in terms of song writing.

One We Love sees the mood of the album lighten once more, much needed and welcomed after the previous rather emotionally draining song. Daniel’s voice is striking on this gentle number. I am reminded of an album I bought long a go by the actor/singer Billy Bob Thornton. This song comprises solely of Daniel and his trusty guitar. It is nice to hear such a tender song stripped bare with minimal backing. Nothing on this album is manufactured and that is what makes it so honest and so real. For me this song is certainly one of the highlights of his lyrically driven singer/songwriter album.

Miners Tale is a quiet number about the work of a miner. Daniel’s voice takes centre stage on this rather eerie song. I found this to be a rather solemn song that ended before you were really ready for it to end. The way this song was constructed made it sound very atmospheric and evocative.

Steps is a faster number, which sees Daniel once again on guitar and harmonica. This is a catchy number with clever lyrics. I think most listeners will be able to relate to the words contained in this song.

My Mind Took Me Far Away is another song where the music of Billy Bob Thornton comes to mind (that is a good thing by the way). This is a pleasant song that has a certain charm about it. Daniel’s voice is intoxicating on this brilliant song.

Long Time Waiting features Pamela Bernardi on vocals once again. Pamela has a very distinctive voice that blends effortlessly with Daniel’s gravely vocals. This is a very entertaining and uplifting song. Daniel breaks the song up with a musical interlude featuring the harmonica.

The Super Superficial Man is a heavier number featuring some great guitar work. A nice beat keeps this song flowing along nicely and at a fast pace. Daniel’s voice retains its gravely sound on this blues influenced song.

Free To Love slows the pace of the album right down. This is another beautiful song where Daniel’s vocals are allowed to shine. An enchanting song full of warmth and tenderness. Daniel’s voice is gorgeous, it has a roughness to it but it is also extremely sexy and has a certain magical quality that I cannot quite put my finger on.

Keep A Place For Me is the final offering on this splendid album. This is another lyrically driven song. Daniel has decided to end the album with an extremely sad and rather depressing song. The lyrics are poignant and with Daniel’s solemn tone this song will leave the listener feeling humbled and possibly thankful for all that they have in their lives. The words of this song will echo in the listeners head long after the song has ended. Perhaps it is a case of leaving the best till last? Keep A Place For Me is truly one of the most lyrically moving songs I have ever heard. It relates to the world today and all that is going on in our somewhat messed up world. It is such an honest song that speaks from the heart. I think Daniel has managed to convey a real sense of truth, sadness and brutal honesty in the magnificent final song.

Overall this is one of those albums where you have to stop and gather your thoughts once you have finished listening to it. Emotions will be up in the air, carried by a whirlwind of cleverly composed lyrics and Daniel Goodman’s dark throaty voice. If the last song in this emotional rollercoaster ride does not have you shedding at least one tear then I give up! This is an album for listeners who really enjoy deep thought provoking lyrically driven music. If you are one of those people then you will certainly devour this collection of songs.