Never Say Never

They Say...

Review by Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide

There are plenty of differences between the self-destructive Ronnie Lane and his journeyman friend and bandmember Ian McLagan. However, both arrived at somewhat similar musical destinations, at least based on Mac's 2008 solo release. While McLagan is a survivor who keeps playing the old Faces hits in concert and rocks out occasionally here, the bulk of this self-penned set swims in more folksy, introspective waters, similar to those of Lane's post-Faces career. There are still a few nods to the raucous, Chuck Berry rocking most associate with McLagan's rollicking boogie-woogie style, in particular the crunchy "I'm Hot, You're Cool." But from its opening title track ballad, arguably one of the keyboardist's most beautiful and touching melodies, Never Say Never is an older, wiser statement from a musician who has been there, done that, and is ready for some reflection as he winds into the final quarter of his life. Even this disc's rockers, such as the midtempo Dylan-ish "I Will Follow," are relatively restrained. There's nothing wrong with that and it suits both McLagan's grainy, authentic, somewhat world-weary voice and elder statesman status just fine. The laid-back acoustic "Killing Me with Love" even sounds like it could have been written by Lane during his solo years. The tinges of regret are palpable on the bluesy gospel of the closing "When the Crying Is Over," one of a handful of lovely, heartfelt tracks dedicated to Lane's recently deceased wife, Kim. That's also the case on the solo piano ballad "Where Angels Hide," a beautiful tune sung with painful soul that will bring tears to the eyes of most listeners acquainted with McLagan's love for his wife. The keyboardist's latest version of his ongoing Bump Band gets co-billing for good reason; they sympathetically follow his lead with a talent born though veteran musicianship, shifting effortlessly from the low-key rockers to the more philosophical material that dominates this classy set. Never Say Never, with songs such as the clearly autobiographical "An Innocent Man," is Mac's most personal and melodic statement yet and shows that his songwriting talents are finally on par with his magnificent keyboard playing.