This album is a veritable masterclass in how to take universal themes and breathe into them an intimacy and a deep sense of the personal. It shows Spillane to be a songsmith capable of creating works of wonder. The poignant title-track evokes memories of his recently-deceased mother. There’s an equally personal flavour to ‘Purple Mountain’ about his wife and himself climbing in Kerry. There’s a beguiling lightness and optimism about ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’, while Spillane’s voice and some delicious harmonies elevate ‘Love Is King’, co-written with Shane Howard.
‘Memory Lane’ is The Frank and Walters’ Paul Lenihan’s tribute to Cork hurling legend Christy Ring which Spillane delivers with heartfelt reverence, while ‘Lovers Leap’ and ‘Passage West’ are both forays into traditional folk. ‘Let There Be Nothing’ is a pensive love song with aching strings to tug the coldest heart.