Paul Heaton – The Mighty Several Review

Paul Heaton recently said he has an intensive time of listening to a newly released album of his own, and then he never touches it again. What a shame it must be for The Mighty Several then, because his latest effort, accompanied on most songs by the exceptional Rianne Downey, is a treat for the ears. Upbeat bits of kitchen sink-like dramatics with a western twinge to them. It all comes together particularly well as Heaton and his sharp instrumentalists come together on a series of light-sounding experiences with plenty of well-meaning messages. Opener National Treasure may look back at the glory days but Heaton is keen to show nothing has changed in the time of cheap bets and cigarettes. His grounded approach to music and the fame accompanying it is a refreshing tone and The Mighty Several benefits from this.  

The Mighty Several depends on the “one of us” experience Heaton has committed himself to. Fame has not changed him and in turn, it has not changed the honesty and passion found in the roaring moments of his lyrical style. Quicksand is brilliant not just because Heaton passes the torch on to Downey, who is more than up to the task of bringing this to life, but the lyrical reflections are bold. You will get stuck where you rest if you stay there too long. Life moves on and to be left behind is fatal, to be stuck in the same pub hearing those already known stories. The Mighty Several is not a knock against those experiences as they can be endearing, but it calls on those who want more from their lives to do more. The more Heaton leans into this new vocal style, particularly on After the Sugar Rush, the more his road to inevitably intimate shows in later life becomes.  

He may be heading up the main stage of Glastonbury and selling out arenas at respectably cheap ticket prices, but the best of The Mighty Several is when he strips back the instrumentals. There is a warmth remaining in his voice which cries out for the softer scope. Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper provides this too, a gentle flourish to the everyday experiences. The best parts of The Mighty Several come from Heaton and Downey’s musical partnership. H Into Hurt is tremendous work from the pair while the swaying brilliance heard in the soppier instrumentals of Silly Me has a grounded sense to it. All of The Mighty Several benefits from this feeling. They find themselves playing around with a soft stomp and holler style, honed more on the country swing of Just Another Family.  

Biographical portions on Pull Up a Seat still provide Heaton with a bit of shock. He is an entertainer at heart but still cannot believe it. All the joys heard through The Mighty Several do well to maintain the theme of those western-styled twangs. Heartbreak turned positive for the sake of empowering a listener. Heaton sacrifices a lot as he always does and with Downey backing him on many of these touching moments, The Mighty Several flourishes. A charming concoction of warm instrumentals, truthful writings and ultimately a delicate understanding of how staying grounded is essential. Instrumental risks taken, lyrical rewards gathered, ultimately Heaton and the gang have another set of wonderful songs on their hands.