Chuck Prophet
Age of Miracles

(New West)

First Appeared in The Music Box, November 2004, Volume 11, #11

Written by T.J. Simon

Chuck Prophet’s brand of mellow rock can be compared fairly to that of Joe Henry or Badly Drawn Boy. Prophet’s latest release Age of Miracles is a respectable effort that showcases his songwriting ability while downplaying his talented guitar skills. Throughout the album, he attempts to mimic the hip, atmospheric style of Joe Henry, such as the small string symphony that provides classy flourishes to Smallest Man in the World and the harmonized female voices that give the title track a celestial elegance.

Age of Miracles’ best-written song is Just to See You Smile, which features a joyous chorus as well as an arrangement worthy of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. However, Prophet doesn’t do his own material any favors by choosing a deadpan delivery when the song clearly calls for a soaring performance. You’ve Got Me Where You Want Me, co-written with Kim Richey, is killed by Prophet’s low-energy delivery. The drumming on Age of Miracles is also a consistent problem. It’s either dull and pre-programmed (Pin a Rose on Me) or live drumming that might as well have come from a can (Monkey in the Middle). However, the biggest problem with Age of Miracles is that Prophet chose to produce the album himself rather than enlist a fresh pair of ears that could have turned his good songs into great recordings.

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Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2004 The Music Box