No.100 - ‘Aqualung’, by Aqualung (2002)
“ Just for a moment I faced my life alone; Just for a moment my luck had finally run out; Oh how I love you …” A very subdued beginning to this album list. But from hearing “Strange and Beautiful” on a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle advert, I was instantly drawn to Hales’ soft yet edgy voice and beautiful melody. This album brings together three of a few very important features about music that instantly draw me in: 1. An expressive and captivating voice 2. Strong piano lead or accompaniment 3. Explorative chord sequences and melodies. And the album certainly doesn't disappoint. It is incredibly stripped back, with some songs just vocal and piano. Generally using minimal drums, bass and guitar with overlapped harmonies . The kind of album to just lie on a rug, and soak in the goodness and beauty. But never have i heard such minimalism to be so powerful. Matt Hales (aka. Aqualung) was already writing songs at the age of...