Gilbert O’Sullivan: Driven

Gilbert O’Sullivan was on a par with Elton John, Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney thanks to world hits like “Alone Again (Naturally)”, “Clair” and “Get Down”. With the current album “Driven,” O’Sullivan confirms comeback qualities.

The singing, which some critics used to find eccentric, has matured with grace and darkness—what the 75-year-old now lacks in volume, he makes up for in charm. And he still easily evokes the beautiful songs of kneeling.

One only has to hear “Blue Anchor Bay” or “What are you waiting for?” or “You and I Babe” to be instantly reminded of O’Sullivan’s heyday from 1971 to 1975. The Guardian recently called the unit anthem “Alone Again (Naturally)” “one of the most iconic songs in pop music.”

The gloom can be felt again on the new album. But O’Sullivan also celebrates life and love in exciting, laid-back pop and country and soul rhythms.

“If Love Only Had Ears” with a delicate piano string arrangement and the nostalgic ’60s pop piece “Don’t Get Under Each Other’s Skin” at the end are albums highlights.