This album is off the well-worn path of what I listen to most, which makes it both challenging and refreshing. Iain Petrie reminds me of the west coast folk-pop scene from the early seventies (James Taylor and Neil Young) and also brings to mind the old school pop of The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
The opener “High On The Mountain” evokes images of the Visit Scotland tourist adverts; the female backing vocals the perfect foil for Petrie’s weathered, world-weary delivery.
Then comes perhaps the best track, the stupidly catchy “Steal Away,” with Petrie’s soft tones becoming more plaintive as layers of instruments and backing vocals are added.
On the title track the arpeggio guitars and percussion make up for the sweet yet mournful sentiments.
Perhaps the best illustration of the scope and breadth of influence displayed by the soon-to-be-newest star in the folk-pop sky is the sumptuous “Connect To The Heart”, which comes on like Fats Waller (not to be confused with namesake Rick) singing Squeeze Me backed by a jazz quartet.
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“The Awakening” is a fully-realized pop-tinged ballad, while “Through Your Eyes” and “My Best Shot” hint at a McCartney meets James Taylor ‘60s pop burner.
“A Celebration” delivers more pop thrills and chiming guitars before the album closes (all too soon) with the anthemic “It Comes and Goes”, which feels like an instant classic.
I’ll Stay By You stumbles just a few times, but overall it is an ambitious debut album from Iain Petrie. As a writer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Petrie is a craftsman who deserves an in-depth listen.
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