The 13-track album from Liverpudlian singer-songwriter John Jenkins is packed with powerful tracks. Jenkins vocals, as soft and smooth as caramel, deliver well written lyrics addressing regret and broken dreams. Though it might sound sad, there is plenty to smile about as the record transports you through these emotions, from the gentle production to the stories and characters Jenkins creates.
The imagery is clear on the tragic ‘The Last Train From Baltimore,’ but Jenkins voice is soothing as he reflects on these events. A sonic shift occurs on ‘The Wrong Side of Sadness’ as a more rousing production ensues. He is joined by Alison Benson on ‘Strangers on a Train’, the production is stripped back giving the pairs delicate vocals room to deliver their message.
‘If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love’ is a fantastic record that, for all it’s regret and sorrow, delivers an important message of forgiveness and freedom. Jenkins proves to be one to watch with both his vocals and songwriting on point for this album.