Saving the Best for Last – George Collins Band (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

You cannot help but love the music that George Collins makes. It’s so positive, so optimistic, so put-a-smile-on-your-face-able. He really is a person who finds the silver linings and looks for the best in people and situations. And that is a rare quality, especially in this ever-darkening, ever-cynical, ever-entrenched, and argumentative world.

Saving the Best for Last sees him doing what he does so well, combining classic rock grooves with infectious pop moves. He is clearly an artist who has paid his dues and paid attention, learning the lessons of the past to make music for the future. And so, for every nostalgic sonic brush stroke found here, there are two or more contemporary ones. Throw in a timeless, sassy, soulful saxophone break, and the sonic cake has been well and truly iced.

And it is easy to see why his forthcoming album is called Songs for Grown Ups, of which this is the final single before its unveiling. Not for George, the modern trends of self-pity, getting even or bemoaning the state of the world. No, he is a veritable cheerleader for looking for the good in everything, something we could do with much more of in this often dour world.

A word to the wise: Be more George!