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Craig Smith: 45° South

As the title implies singer/songwriter Craig Smith spent his formative
years in and around the lower South Island and that time has provided
a great deal of the inspiration for this album. Probably influencing
Smith just as much was exposure to a steady diet of ’70s troubadours
as a he grew up and this is evidenced with acoustic guitar and
harmonica featuring prominently, reinforced by a somewhat clumsy
tribute to Neil Young. Smith was also lucky enough to have the help of
some of Stevie Wonder’s band on a number of songs, giving a soft rock
feel to proceedings and it must be said that his voice has the
smoothness and warmth to carry it off. Lyrically he leans towards
green and anti-corporate issues but it’s in his personal reflections,
where he keeps things simple and to the point, that are most
successful. The title track is a good example as are the melodic hooks
of Sad Little Girl and the melancholic childhood recollections of The
Heater. Less successful is the Dylanesque and overly wordy Corporation
XYZ and the throwaway satire of The Hedonist. Smith approaches his
work in a craftsman-like manner and produces moments of
singer/songwriter charm.

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