HAPPINESS IS THE ROAD

4.5 stars for "Essence" and barely 4 stars for "The Hard Shoulder". The music and the lyrics are so positive and emotional on the first disc "Essence". It's very atmospheric and it really plays out like one piece of music. It took me many listens to really get into it but i'm hooked now. The second disc is a collection of unrelated songs really that are more immediate and catchy. I can see why a lot of people would enjoy the second disc right away, but for me it's not as good or consistant overall. By the way the pictures in the liner notes on these cds are both thought provoking and beautiful.

"Dreamy Street" is my least favourite song on here which is disappointing considering it's the first song. It's only 2 minutes long though. Piano and vocals lead the way on this one. "This Train Is My Life" is relaxed with a beat and vocals to start. It does get fuller 1 1/2 minutes in and it sounds amazing. It's even better before 3 1/2 minutes. So much emotion. Nice guitar solo follows. "Essence" builds from a whisper to a full sound then settles again 2 1/2 minutes in. It then builds again to a good guitar/vocal section 4 minutes in. I like when Hogarth shouts "Live in the moment or you'll never be free". Nice. "Wrapped Up In Time" has lots of atmosphere as reserved vocals come in after 1 1/2 minutes. A fuller sound 3 minutes in. "Liquidity" is an instrumental of piano and lots of atmosphere. Beautiful. "Nothing Fills The Hole" is interesting the way the vocals and sound get clearer as it plays out. Like a picture coming into focus. A calm before 2 minutes to the end. "Woke Up" features prominant guitar as vocals join in. Love this song. "Trap The Spark" opens with a relaxed sound and vocal melodies before Hogarth starts to sing. I really like when it calms down 1 1/2 minutes with piano. Another great section 4 1/2 minutes in as guitar and piano play out.

"A State Of Mind" features light drums and keys with the sounds of nature. Vocals join in. I like it ! My favourite lyrics on the album are on this one. Check out the passion 3 1/2 minutes in. "Happiness Is The Road" is easily the longest track at 10 minutes. Floating synths to open as fragile vocals join in. Emotional section. Drums before 3 1/2 minutes. Piano and guitar join in as well. Vocals follow and they become more passionate 5 minutes in, especially on the chorus. Pure emotion before 7 1/2 minutes. Check out the line "And each baby-a human sunrise". There is a hidden track called "Half Full Jam" which has it's focus on the vocals early. Strings come in. It kicks in 2 1/2 minutes in. Great sound. Emotional vocals, and check out the drumming !

On "The Hard Shoulder" there's a song called "Especially True" where Hogarth sings about watching baseball (my favourite sport). Anyway it's pretty humerous. If your into atmospheric music with great lyrics and plenty of emotion, then this is a must have.