Chris Smith - One World
The first time I heard Chris Smith's voice was back in 2000 when The Wave had just launched in Ontario. The music was all still quite new to me. I was listening to Gary James (yes, we both go back that far!) as I was driving and he played this wonderful talent. I thought, "Wow, this dude sounds like a cross between Sting and Donald Fagen, with his dry, intelligent, conversational phrasing. He must be in LA. Or New York." Gary came off the song and said, "And he's playing this weekend at Joe's Restaurant on Main St." In Hamilton. Ontario.
I was like - "WHAT?"
Yes. Chris Smith is an Ontario boy. But his talent is world-class. And his new album One World proves yet again what a true gem he is.
As usual with Chris, the songwriting is the star. Most of the album was co-written with Don Breithaupt (Monkey House, Brass Transit) and you can hear that craftsmanship: clever changes and harmonies without the songs ever feeling like exercises in cleverness. But it is Chris's voice that gives this album its personality. Always warm, distinctive and slightly quirky.
What strikes me about the lead-off single, Earth Is Me, is the contrast: it's polished, melodic and inviting, while the subject is bigger and more serious. The title itself flips the usual environmental idea — not “save the Earth” as though Earth is something outside us, but we're part of it; what we do to it, we do to ourselves.
The title track One World isn't just a title; it's the thematic spine of the record. Warm and hopeful, it takes the same big-picture idea and makes it human rather than preachy.
How Many Times is where Chris gets his rock/blues on. More grit, more guitar, more blues-rock swagger. I've seen Chris live many times and I guarantee he is not a one-trick pony. This one proves he can still roll the sleeves up and let the band rip.
But don't get too comfy - Haliburton River offers another sharp stylistic turn; laid-back island/reggae lilt augmented by a singer-songwriter vibe mixed with some jazzier colour chords.
On Our Way changes gears yet again: buoyant, breezy, west coast style smooth groove. Life Keeps Comin' (one of my favourites) is lyrically pure Chris Smith. Salty, sassy and uniquely self-reflective. And then Somebody Noticed - the final track - brings the entire record full circle. From Earth Is Me off the top, to looking at our place in the whole damn world, Chris finishes with something as simple and human as being noticed by one other person. What a lovely bookend.
My darling, Chris, please do not wait another 17 years to do an album. One World - this world - needs much more of you, your passion, your heart and your music.
Vickie Van Dyke
Midday Host