After getting rave reviews across the UK, Australian singer songwriter Daniel Merriweather finally brings his soulful sound stateside with the release of his debut “Love and War.”
The crooner’s first effort is a charmingly crafted blend of hip-hop beats and dramatic string arrangements all led by his impressive vocals. Until now, Merriweather was best known for his work with Mark Ronson, the producer behind the recent retro-pop hits by Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. The 28-year-old’s backing band, The Dap Kings, who are heavily responsible for Merriweather’s ‘60s soul inspired vibe, also played on Winehouse’s “Back to Black.”
On Ronson’s 2007 album “Version,” Merriweather did a mash-up of The Smiths “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before” and The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” The duo create another musical restyling for this record on the track “Could You,” where they cleverly lift the lyric and harmony “Could you be my sunshine on a cloudy day,” from The Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming.”
One of the catchiest tunes on this disc is the lead single “Change.” Merriweather takes this opportunity to share his stance on today’s societal issues with lyrics like, “And while the poor kill the poor for a portion, a piece of American society pie I get high.”
On “Getting Out,” Merriweather isn’t afraid to talk about a failed relationship with words like, “I made you fly away, made you leave today, and you’ll never know.” He continues his tales of love lost, on the honky-tonk sounding “Cigarettes,” a lighthearted song about another break-up.
Fellow neo-soul songstress and Grammy award winner Adele joins Merriweather on “Water and a Flame,” a beautiful duet about two lovers of opposite personalities who split yet can’t stand to be apart.
As one might guess, “Love and War” is mostly a tale of Merriweather’s past relationships, but his formula of channeling old Motown, crafting infectious melodies, and impressive vocals keep his sound fresh.
Merriweather goes on tour with Corinne Bailey Rae starting April 9 in Vancouver. “Love and War” is available now.
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