Written by Daffs (@TwoDaff)

With two very well-received solo albums ‘From the Far Field’ and ‘Escape Routes’ under his belt, Midlands-based singer-songwriter Jay Tennant is back with an absolute gem of a new album due for release on 24th June 2022. Renowned for his vocal swagger likened to an early Richard Ashcroft and a passion and intensity that is evident in the vocal and lyrical quality of the music he produces.

‘Forever Roses’ is an album that will delight, packed full of anthemic, dancefloor masterpieces, taking the listener through an almost cinematic journey through life, love and loss. But there’s nothing sad in these tracks, more uplifting, more hope.

Vocally it is brilliant, lyrically it’s intriguing but mesmerising, musically it’s melodic, and anthemic to the extent that some of the songs of a slower tempo still hit the spot. The Richard Ashcroft likeness has all but gone as Jay has taken it to a new level with this album.

‘Journey into the night’ is the album opener and what an opener. It’s a love song with a difference, the intro riff along with the drums give it a rolling groove, reminiscent of an early ’90s indie vibe the vocals just soar from start to finish, ‘I can’t wait forever baby, you’re my one desire’ it is passionate.

This is followed by the catchy, energetic, ‘Star Chasing’ with its movie star references, Garbo, Bardot, Monroe and a guitar riff that cuts through the verse this all builds to a rousing chorus. Hints of U2 maybe but that really doesn’t matter.

‘Star City Serenade’ is of a slower tempo and for me, is one of my favourite tracks, Jay’s vocal is, well it’s just amazing, the chorus is glorious, and it has a ‘Suede’ feel about it (in my opinion).  ‘Poker Polka’ changes things up slightly with a funky ‘Nile Rogers-esque riff running throughout with a hint of the eighties, but it’s just a hint, references to cards, aces, blackjack with a suggestive hint of…well I’ll leave that up to you!

‘The Black Angel’ is another tune that has a riff that leaves you wanting to groove, it hooks you, again, the vocal on this just soars, every high hit to perfection, followed by ‘Sparks’ with its ‘Bowie – esque intro (in my opinion) it’s a drum-driven delight, melodic guitars and bass and again that signature vocal.

‘Stone Cold’ is an acoustic slower tempo track and instantly reminds you of the ache of love, loss and hurt but it’s glorious and another favourite of mine, the acoustic is off-set with a heartbeat of a bass line and again glorious melodic lead riffs. Reminds me of early Shed 7 but as I said it’s a reminder nothing more.

‘Spectre’ like the title suggests, it’s James Bond, it has been said before that this should have been the movie theme and it should. It’s full of energy and drive, it is perfect. ‘Exile Central’ another acoustic number with a squire-esque lead riff and solo meets all the expectations of the previous tracks and goes off in a slightly different direction along with the closing track ‘Twilight Tango’ with a delicious bit of slide, love it, really catchy, I can see a crowd bouncing along to this, a great closing track.

All in all, Jay has produced, a classic, it brings in many influential genres from the ’80s, ’90s, indie, and Britpop to post punk and even a hint of glam rock intertwined with fantastic vocals, intriguing lyrics and filled with melodies. It’s like watching a movie with your ears!

In his words “I’ve put literally everything into ‘Forever Roses’. I believe I’ve made my best album yet and I hope you agree.”

Give it a listen and I think you will.

All the info you need is below…