Sam Dickinson - Off Script

Buy-stream Off Script here (Sam's site)

It has been a bit of a bonkers year so far hasn't it? Whilst the world around has changed, there have been some soothing constants - the most satisfying of which are that creative people will still create. Out of dark times comes great art and there have been some great independent album releases this autumn - Bright Light Bright Light, Tom Aspaul and, now, Sam Dickinson. His latest album, Off Script, is a sumptuous selection of 14 songs that come from the heart and are performed from his soul. The album takes us back to the halcyon days of 90s pop - the era that defined Sam growing up and was always a glorious fusion of pop, r&b and dance music. While Sam wears his influences on his sleeve, the end result never feels derivative as he puts his own stamp on his songs with lush production and nuanced vocalisation. He also continues to prove himself a gifted lyricist as the narrative of the songs reveal personal moments in an intimate way; almost like you are catching up with your best friend over your favourite tipple after six months of lockdown. So sit down, get up, dance and immerse yourself in this, your new future favourite oldie...

The album starts with the blistering kiss-off anthem of Cry Wolf. Whoever done Sam wrong is not getting away scott-free as he peels away the façade of emotional blackmail and insidious manipulation. What works so well about this song is the feeling of empowerment the crescendo in the music and Sam's voice lends to the lyrics. It starts as a sparse finger click groove before emerging as a full on disco epic - as if Sam is drawing power from the music to finally sing his truth. The album's title track, Off Script, continues to the swirling dance rhythms and urges you to march to the beat of your own drum. The lush instrumental encourages a feeling of liberation as Sam slides into falsetto and you are can't do anything but shimmy along to this infectious gem. Oh, and do track down the accompanying video to the single - one of the most uplifting clips you'll view this year. He boldly then takes on Missing, the Everything But The Girl standard. It works because of the reverence and deference to the original and because of the liberties he takes with his icy cool house-style vibe he infuses into the beat. Those piano notes in the chorus alongside his yearning voice are like manna from heaven. A pop standard rises again.

Never Knew is a simmering pop odyssey which explores how heartbreak can transform a person into someone strong and determined. You feel every ounce of Sam's ferocity as he dances his cares away to this triumphant score. Clever use of electro-synth adds a frisson of danger to the music, giving it a deliciously ominous tone whilst that chorus deserves to be top of the pops for a month. Therapy is what this album is, so a song dedicated it seems utterly apt. The addition of luxurious gospel singers gives Sam's message a celestial boost, that support we all need when mental health struggles (either of our own or other people) impact our lives. It is the album's most soulful moment to date and it is glorious. Diamond Skin reminds that it is you that has the ultimate responsibility to take care of your own wellbeing. Sam sings these all too relatable words with mellifluous encouragement, occasionally letting a hint of frustration shine through; the effect of this adds texture and depth to the words as you feel his emotion in wanting the person he is singing to to see the potential in themselves that he does. Nothing's True is a strings drenched, dramatic revelation which feels like it is taken from some contemporary new musical we have yet to be privileged enough to witness. The sentiments are palpable and it is so nouveau-Studio54 that you can't help but to spin around to it like a glitter ball. Heartbreak rarely sounds so radiant.

Lost and Found keeps you firmly on the dance floor whilst invoking the exquisite agony of the hopeless romantic. Rollicking piano romps and an intricate disco groove make this feel ABBA inspired and just as magnificent. The middle 8 with frenetic guitar riffs and elegiac piano will break your heart. Luckily, you have the Motown-esque Foolish You to help put a spring back in your step. It is the best Simply Red song they never recorded, all brassy horns, vibrant choir arrangements and a searing vocal from Mr Dickinson himself. You can almost feel the weight being lifted from his shoulders as he sings the rousing refrain. He's definitely earned himself a treat and his take on Mica Paris' Carefree is just that. Like Missing, it feels like it fits perfectly alongside his own compositions. There's an androgyny to his voice that suits the song whilst the feisty urban percussion will get your hips gyrating, wherever you may be listening to this. Stolen  is the type of song which you can hear in different formats as soon as you listen to it. Don't get me wrong, it shines as a horse meat disco gem but you can imagine it as a gentle acoustic guitar performance or dynamic piano-vocal duet. That's the mark of fine songwriting.

I Lost You is the album's first ballad and it is a real charmer. It may be a tale as old as time but that makes it no less mesmerising and heartfelt. Tinges of Jimmy Somerville come through on Sam's falsetto whilst his lower register adds gravitas to the poignant lyrics. Piano once again proves to be one of the album's MVP; just lovely. Now if there was ever a time to Change The World, 2020 is it. You really need to take the time to listen to the lyrics - Sam has always had a gift for conveying what we have all felt at some time or another, but this just seems so relevant and insightful that it is like he connects the inner-most thoughts of the masses. It is paced with precision, letting each word be savoured so they can caress the most fragile of souls. The album ends with No One In The Room - a resonant ode to his nan who sadly passed away before he could reveal his true self to her. The sorrow is woven into every moment, but his lyrics become a celebration of her life and his memories of this great lady. It concludes the opus with a powerful message of love every moment. And really, that is what going off script is all about.