Days To Recall

About the Artist Justin Hines laughs-one will find Hines laughs readily in conversation-as he recounts the work that went into creating Days To Recall, his third proper studio album (or fourth, if considering his album of seasonal songs). "There was a time when writing was the only thing. In the last couple of years, a lot has changed in my world and I've had to find or make time to write." This frank admission belies the fact that Hines remains a writer deeply committed to his craft and Days To Recall is his most accomplished work to date. That's as it should be, as with experience should follow a more pronounced mastery of one's art-but Hines also stands at the precipice, as an artist whose previous works have garnered such extraordinary critical praise and opened so many doors internationally. If he's at all concerned with living up to and exceeding expectations, he doesn't show signs. "I haven't become an entirely different person." He's still laughing: "and the process hasn't changed that much. This album was largely written over the last two years, along with a couple of tracks I was hanging on to that hadn't yet seen the light of day. With that said, I'm neither entirely different nor absolutely the same as I was when I started this path some 15 years ago [his first public performance, in front of a capacity crowd at a Toronto Raptors game]. No one would be. But at the core, I hold similar ideals and I'm still inspired to tell similar types of stories." Hines' stories are marked by a disarmingly direct approach; with themes of outright joy or hope in times of darkness. "It wouldn't be natural for me to write a song in which it was raining all the time. Not that my life isn't without its difficult periods-and I certainly respect and admire many other songwriters who tackle cloudier themes-but, for me, there's always an optimism that things are looking up; there are good times ahead. Some people are surprised that I maintain this outlook." It's not a fact to be brushed aside that Justin Hines is in a wheelchair-but it's only applicable to a point. Larsen's Syndrome, a congenital joint condition, keeps him bound in body but not in spirit. He was in this chair when he wrote his first songs, as he was when he wrote these songs, and he'll still be there when he writes his next songs. It's undeniable and also largely immaterial to this songwriter's output. "Writing songs is something I started early and those around me predicted songwriting would be what I would do with my life. I can't recall a time when this wasn't the case. It came to me naturally and people who love me have had grand dreams for what might come of it. For me, though, the real thrill has always been in enjoying the moment. My music fulfills me in its creation and in the opportunities it has given me. The best part of which has to be having met so many people around the world that I wouldn't have had the chance to know if I didn't write music. And seeing the world broadens my perspective, making me a better songwriter. It's an enviable situation." This spirit permeates Days To Recall. Hines writes from a place of unguarded authenticity, instead of cloaking his words in innuendo and persona. If you're going to sing to the congregation, you had best have a heart full of truth. Hines has been singing since he can remember and it's his grandmother that's credited with getting him started, in church. It's only fitting, then, that the album's title track comes complete with a gospel choir, led by the legendary Jackie Richardson. "I met her a couple of years ago and was awestruck, being that she's a hero of mine. I was astounded that she was willing to take part in this song." Richardson brought along considerable experience and also a lot of joy. "She and her singers worked tirelessly, bringing forth so many ideas. It was a long session but they never, never stopped smiling." Work on any given track would take the time it did until it felt right to everyone playing on it. If it comes fast, that's natural. If it takes time, that's okay with Hines. "If it takes a lot energy put into it in order to make it work, that's not necessarily a bad thing: even when faced with an uphill struggle, it can be so worth it when cool things happen. I don't want to sound grandiose when I say if a song is to stand up to the test of time, it has to hit the mark." It also has to ring true. Some tracks Hines writes from the perspective of another, while some are personal. This album also marks the first straight-up love songs Hines has created. "I don't write a lot of love songs; it was a cool challenge to finally tackle that. It's the most written about topic in the world but in the case of 'See You Like I Do', I had someone particular in mind." Pressed, Hines will tell you it's directed at his wife, they having married between albums. In contrast to that stands "Why Not Love Me" which is about the universal predicament of feeling something that isn't felt for you i
ASIN: B0057GYOCC
VSKU: DBV.B0057GYOCC.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Hines, Justin
Binding: Audio cd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case will show wear, and may be in library packaging. Ships fast!