After 2006’s highly acclaimed ‘Valor Del Corazon’ can follow up ‘Yoni’ prove Ginger’s solo career isn’t just a flash in the pan. Thankfully I’m happy to report that ‘Yoni’ continues to see the rise and rise of Ginger, albeit if he has gone for a far lighter touch this time around. 

Compared to ‘Valor’ Ginger sounds positively jovial on ‘Yoni’. ‘Valor’ was very much an act of exorcism and now those ghosts have disappeared the Wildhearts frontman seems intent on a bit of fun. And why not? Jangly pop-metal guitars jostle with horns and strings as Ginger tries a wide variety of styles, all tied together with those familiar trademark chorus’s of his. 

Strangely, although there is a bit of everything on here, ‘Yoni’ actually sounds more cohesive than ‘Valour’. Maybe it’s because there is such an upbeat feel to it. Although I would say that ‘Valor’ is blessed with touches of introspective genius that are largely absent on here because the subject matter is that bit lighter.  

Opener ‘Black Windows’ is a cool track. The Ska-Reggae influence, mixed with ‘Alex Lifeson’  style riffing, may seem a little odd on paper. But then the chorus comes along and is pure Ginger and it suddenly makes sense. And that my friends is what I like about this geezer – he’s never afraid to experiment and mix different styles.  

‘When She Comes’ has clanging bell chimes straight out of a seventies Glam Rock tune and ‘Jake’ (about his relationship with his son) shows the new, more mature Ginger to epic effect. Then there is the bizarre ‘Can’t Drink You Pretty’ which contains within the Andrews Sisters ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ (no, I’m not kidding!) complete with big band Glenn Miller sound. You certainly can’t accuse Ginger of getting stuck in a rut! 

Even whimsy such as this,  'The Bed Is On Fire’ and the soul tinged ‘Siberian Angel’ somehow work but special praise should be reserved for the epic ‘Save Me’ with its singalong chorus and clever chordal arrangement.

So all in all ‘Yoni’ is yet more proof that Ginger has matured into one this countries finest songwriters, and I don’t say stuff like that lightly. When you look at the charts these days this bloke could show them a thing or two about how to write memorable chorus’s combined with clever arrangements and witty lyrics. He’s a national treasure and it’s about time some people realised that.

Let us know your views on 'Yoni'

Track List

Black Windows
When She Comes
Holiday
Smile In Denial
Jake
Night I Was Born Again
Why Can't You Just Be Normal All The Time
Can't Drink You Pretty
This Bed Is On Fire
Save Me
Wendy You're Killing Me
Siberian Angel Line Up