Stephen Cummings - Prisoner Of Love (2019)

Prisoner of Love sounds as if it could have been made in the eighties, but at the same time sounding so timeless. An album reeking of rejuvenation, confidence, humour – an album that is so accessible and enjoyable on the first listen. Of course the ache and impatience is still there – but at the same time he sounds so content.

Prisoner of Love is an album that you will want to play again and again and again. Prisoner of Love clocks in at 32 minutes, ten short songs that glow, bounce and move with a sense of dynamism, renewal, and tongue firmly in cheek. It shifts in moods, but there is an overall feeling of excitement – an energetic vibe that has Cummings writing succinct songs that illuminate and are genuinely uplifting.
The album starts with the jangly ‘Life Moves On’ – delivered with shades of Bowie and even a bit of Lennon – has Cummings reflecting on “what seems painful/can pay big dividends” – with the old sage pondering on the shortness of life and love. Might as well enjoy it while you are still alive – a glowing song to start the album which can barely hide its exuberance.