Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Encouragement that comes from art is an enlightening act of respect of those in a position of what might be considered power gifting reassurance, boosting the mind and soul of those damned by society’s passion for kicking downwards, for staring almost with a contempt bordering on hatred, for when reinforced praise and hope are displayed with generous intentions, the understanding becomes clear, When They All Looked Up, when all are treated with support, then the skies become so much clearer and the faith in the heavens becomes apparent.
It is to encouragement that Kate Rusby’s first non-Christmas album in six years is bestowed upon the awaiting public who have taken the Barnsley Nightingale to their hearts since her 1997 debut with such finesse and strength of character, a symbolism of the folk artist’s forever undying insight and craft of how the masses seek, and deserve assurance and the confidence of someone with a voice and positive attitude to fight for them, and also in the case of Ms. Rusby, entertain highly and with aplomb.
When They All Looked Up contains the exceptional musicianship the listener would expect to find on an album from the proud Yorkshire singer. The constant presence of Damien O’Kane, Duncan Lyall, Ron Block, Josh Clark, Gary Wyatt, Lee Clayson, Robin Taylor, Chris Howlings, Nick Etheridge, Sam Kelly on backing vocals, and the Barnsley Youth Choir, all combining across tracks such as Ettrick, the exceptional Let Your Light Shine, Judges And Juries, the masterful The Girl With The Curse, and the inclusive The Barnsley Youth and Temperance Society finding ways to install a copious amount of belief into those willing to raise their heads, to take their eyes from the floor, and see instead the possibility of what sparkles above, the diamonds in the sky that act as stars.
Kate Rusby’s elegant style and comfortable application of music has never wavered, it remains full of ambition, of togetherness and unpretentious cool, but most of all it savours in the dynamic that the singer has cultivated throughout her releases, whether tied into the Christmas adventures or through the sense of ordinary, that of urging the listener to be true to themselves, to listen to their heart and look upon the wonder of the universe and refuse to see themselves in the gutter where so many will have them stay.
A fiercely beautiful album, Kate Rusby once more offering calm precision in a chaotic world.
Ian D. Hall