Following on from the critically acclaimed success of London based Dan Raza’s first two albums, he is back with his latest album Wayfarer, which is to be released on 14th February 2025. I heard a track off this album, before it was on my radar that Dan was about to release this fabulous third album. That track was ‘Wasn’t That Enough For Me’? I was just blown away with the amazing lyrics and arrangement and wanted to hear more, hence my request to review Wayfarer the full album. Dan has been likened to soulful and charismatic songwriters such as Jackson Browne, Bill Withers, Bruce Springsteen and Roy Orbison, but Dan has his own very unique style too.
Wayfarer has twelve glorious tracks and has an eclectic range of genres – cleverly done. Opening with ‘Behold The Night’, initially a slow intro then a wave of emotional lyrics and imagery, while he is asking you to “come on in from the cold now”. Second track is the aforementioned ‘Wasn’t That Enough For Me?’ Superb. The video that comes with it is fab on You Tube. I can hear Jack Savoretti in this track which is husky, passionate and pulls the heart strings, the lyrics painting a picture of lost love and thinking you can see the person you loved and miss.
‘Water Reflects What Its Shown’ is one of clever wordplay. A Bluesy/gospel type of rhythm with empowering words. Sadly true of today’s world of politics and bureaucracy. Cowboys acting out fake promises in every walk of life it seems. Dan is proud of this song, rightly so, he should be proud of all of them. ‘In My Own Time’ is thinking about whether he should be settling down, but still not quite ready as still feeling young and not ready. Following his path, good or bad, and one day he will go home. Extremely powerful track with gorgeous finger picking and strings.
‘Me And My Lady’ – about looking after your lady. This track includes fabulous electric guitar, piano and strings. Rather gutsy! ‘Nothing Like a Woman’ tells of a woman moving a man’s heart enough to move from his roots/country because of his love for her. Fresh joys of love! Loved the banjo on this track!
‘Only A Stones Throw Away’ is a very sad but true experience of what Dan saw on the Mexican border. Dan says he wrote this track while in Tijuana during the winter of 2018. He saw hundreds of Central American migrants to try and illegally cross to the US. “I witnessed a father and child with their belongings heavy on their back attempting the perilous act of wading into the ocean to try and squeeze themselves around the wall so they could set their feet on American soil. I think the line that encapsulates the song is: You only leave your home when your home won’t let you stay”. (Very poignant lyrics especially now Trump is in power).
‘The Trust Will Heal You’ is a testament to some women who have a hard life through bringing up a family and not treated right by the man of the family and now need to be true to themselves. Lovely outro. ‘Newborn Man’ is a story of Tom Techman who had cerebral palsy and although disabled, he was still human. He didn’t want to be written off as not being useful in life, and who doesn’t want to waste any time.
‘Like Strangers Again’ has a lovely country flavour, telling of memories together in the past, but strangers again now. ‘We Have To Dream Alone’ is a catchy number leading to the last track ‘Still Got A Song To Sing’ which has a great piano accompaniment. The end of this album leaves you wanting for more!
Written and produced by Dan Raza, Wayfarer is a true testimony of how great a wordsmith Dan is and can look at various situations and turn them into songs. Complemented with his lovely soft and mellow voice, and the ability to leave you wanting to hear more. His powerful lyrics make you sit up and take notice. After his illustrious starting out with the likes of Joan Armatrading and championed by Neil Young, Dan is now a star himself and mainstream beckons. Every discerning music lover should have this album in their collection.
Visit Dan’s website for details of albums to purchase and forthcoming gigs.
Jean Camp
Artist’s website: www.danraza.com
‘Wasn’t That Enough For Me?’ – official video:
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