Artist – John Jenkins
Album – If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love
Released – 6th August 2021
Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Rating – 5/5
If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love is the stunning new album from Liverpool singer
songwriter John Jenkins. The album, a collection of warm, emotive and uplifting tracks is a
true slice of Americana on the Mersey.
Recorded at Crosstown Studios in Liverpool, John has taken what has been a deeply
challenging and disruptive period for many musicians and artists and used it to create and
co-produce this album, his first since signing to Fretstore Records. Jenkins is well
established as one of the most prolific songwriters on Merseyside and combined with some
of the best musicians and producers the city has to offer, he has created something truly
special.
The album sets a scene of a road trip, each song threading together a soundscape of
different emotions and stories. Jenkins takes us on a sonic journey with songs that capture
your imagination and transport you to the dusty roads of Route 66, telling tales of regret, love
and everything in between.
There are some real stand out tracks on this album. The opening song A Stranger To Your
Heart begins with a sense of vulnerability. Jenkins comes out into the open with a gentle
tone in his voice, his feelings raw and on the surface. The stunning fiddle solo brings a
beautiful change to the track and would not sound out of place in an old western bar.
Strangers On A Train is the breathtaking duet featured on the album. The track, co-written
by Jenkins and Liverpool musician Alison Benson is a heartbreaking ballad of love lost and
a stark reminder of the cruelness of the passage of time. The blending of John and Alison’s
voices creates a haunting track which stays with you long after you have listened to it.
Desert Hearts was released as a single earlier in the year. It’s a fantastic closing track, with
swelling guitars and percussion, uplifting brass and beautiful vocals. Jenkins’ voice is so full
of joy and soars perfectly over the top of the music. It’s a song that looks ahead to the future
and for me, provides the perfect driving off into the sunset feel. The arrangement for the
track is brilliant, with a hearty mix of rock guitar and classical strings. It truly is a song that
covers all bases and is sure to be one to remember.
This is a stellar album from Jenkins, his music can be listened to and appreciated by people
of all ages. His influences of Americana and Country are clear to see and there is no doubt
that this album is a labour of love. With songs that break your heart and pull you back
together all in one, John Jenkins is definitely one to watch and I cannot wait to see what he
produces next.
Helen Maw
© 2021 Liverpool Acoustic
If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love is released on Fretsore Records and is available on all major online platforms from Friday 6th August. Check out the links at linktr.ee/ifyoucantforgive