EP REVIEW: Steve Young's 'The Great North Road'

Posted by Aldo Pusey on Thursday, June 27, 2024

Steve Young is a globe trotting session guitarist, teacher and entertainer turned singer/songwriter. Early TV appearances with the legendary Lionel Richie and Peter Andre soon led to full time touring duties with world renowned artists – most notably ex-Savage Garden front-man Darren Hayes which took Steve on trips around the world performing at huge venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena, Brisbane QPAC, LA Roxy and many, many more.

Since releasing an EP in 2014 and crowd-funded Album in 2016, Steve has performed at The London O2 – Country 2 Country Festival, Time Out London’s ‘Rising Stars of UK Country’ Multiple shows at the Edinburgh Free Fringe, recorded live for Bob Harris’ – Under The Apple Tree Sessions, opened for Carlene Carter (daughter of Johnny Cash’s wife June Carter) as well as opening sets for Broadway Star – Ramin Karimloo, UK Blues Artist – Jo Harman, Brit Award winner Tom Odell (Help Refugees) as well as many solo gigs around the UK.

In January of this year he released his third single from his ‘Troubadour’ album – a remixed and remastered version of the track ‘In My Dreams’ which has enjoyed radio play around the world including BBC Radio 2, Radio Caroline, Chris Country Radio and 100’s of community/online stations.

Back in May another Pledge Music Target was successfully reached and ‘The Great North Road EP’, produced by Justin Johnson and featuring some of the UK’s hottest musicians; Laura Oakes, Scott Poley, Chris Howard and Toby Shear, was created. And here we review the compelling record.

The EP opens with the instrumental intro ‘Inhale’. The stunning piano melody at the top of the track adds a stunning layer to the piece and allows the simplicity to shine.

The record then kicks into gear with the beautiful ‘Trembling Heart’ which features vocals from rising UK country star Laura Oakes. The tone of their voices match beautifully, while the tune is similar to Ben Haenow’s ‘Second Hand Heart’. It’s a great opening and it really showcases Young’s songwriting ability.

‘Hard Times In A Beautiful Place’ has a different vibe to the rest of the EP, with a touching story about everlasting love that isn’t always easy to maintain. It’s a stunning song that highlights the growth of Steve Young.

‘The Great North Road’ is the most authentic country track on the EP, and is a real standout. It’s a really mellow song, and Steve’s vocals are crystal clear with an authentic style country twang.

‘Beautiful Tonight’ is the catchiest song on the EP. And is a real ear-worm, it’s a really fun/sweet track, and it showcases everything good about Steve Young’s talents.

The EP ends with ‘The Greatest Love Song (Of All Time)’, a track that leaves you wanting more. It’s the perfect way to end the record as not only is it a fantastic country song, it also makes you want to play the EP over again.

The Great North Road‘ EP is out now!

RATING: 4/5.

Make sure you follow Steve Young on Twitter @steveyounguk to keep up to date with all his latest music and tour news!

Have you listened to the latest EP from Steve Young? Which track is your favourite? Let us know over on Twitter @CelebMix

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