Paul Poulton

Item: Angel
Author: Brian A. Smith

Angel

(2001)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

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Label Temporary RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

acoustic rock pop rock singer-songwriter

Introspection seems to be on the mind of Paul Poulton on his CD, Angel. He examines self-interest, accountability, pride,
self-control, being real, and choices on this disc.

The album opens with "Looking at Me," written from the viewpoint of a rude subway rider who ignores the needs of others and the rules of the train. He continually draws attention to himself, then repeatedly asks, "Why is everybody looking at me?" "Doctor Spin" illustrates a man discussing the different ways we use to hide our sin behind catch phrases and excuses.

"Heaven Help" details a struggle against pride and complacency:

Heaven help this heart of mine
Thinks it's cool and doing fine
Little knowing it's in danger of growing
Calloused with the passing of time.

"Cover Me" speaks of the damage we can do with our words, and the difficulty in trying not to do that very thing. "Ordinary" points out the idea that God loves everyone regardless of how we see ourselves. He does not compare us to each other - so why should we?

Poulton can be compared to Charlie Peacock and T-Bone Burnett both vocally and musically ranging occasionally into Simon & Garfunkel territory.

Our need to forgive and love is pointed out in "So Baby," a tune about a married relationship and the tolerance of perceived shortcomings that is necessary. "I Can Preach It" asks the questions about living out what we say:

I'm a speaker, I can move you
I'm a singer, I can groove you
I could speak till tomorrow morning
But the more the words
The less the meaning.

Every song on this CD points out our need to grow in Christ, not become satisfied with where we are, and to look at ourselves before criticizing others. You could say that it is ten sermons compacted into four-minute segments, but tuneful enough that you forget that they are sermons. Angel succeeds on both levels - it makes you think while pleasing the ear.

4 tocks