John O’Callaghan – Never Fade Away – Album Review
John O’ Callaghan’s second artist album is called Never Fade Away on Armada recordings. The first JOC album was called ‘Something To Live For’ and was released in 2007. Never Fade Away is 13 tracks of great trance. The album is dominated by vocal trance, a style that’s really pushed John O’ Callaghan into the limelight. It all started when Big Sky (track 12 and 13) with Audrey Gallagher was named the A State of Trance Tune of the Year 2007. It was a great honour for both JOC and Audrey.
The album has some really great tracks and as a whole it is worth listening to in one sitting. Not many albums can accomplish this. One issue I did have was too many vocal trance tracks early on in the album. It would’ve been nice for some great progressive, such as Megalithic, early on the mix things up.
01. John O’Callaghan feat. Sarah Howells – Find Yourself
Great vocal track that’s been flaunted on many radio shows and livesets. I find the repetitiveness of the vocals a little annoying, something that I couldn’t listen to over and over again. Stick to the original version – the Cosmic Gate remix is terrible.
02. John O’Callaghan feat. Jaren – Surreal
Jaren really has a lovely unique voice. This song has a deep meaning, feel free to interpret it the way you want :P drop a comment in fact.
03. John O’Callaghan feat. Audrey Gallagher – Take It All Away
JOC and Audrey together again, but I wasn’t entirely impressed. It really does sound like any other trance song.
04. John O’Callaghan & Giuseppe Ottaviani – Liquid Fire
Another so-so track. Not much to say really.
05. John O’Callaghan feat. Josie – Out Of Nowhere
My FAVOURITE track! Josie is Jaren’s sister – and this tune is freakin’ awesome! It’s upbeat and joyful, but Josie’s voice is a bit dark and deep – it’s a strange balance that needs to be heard rather then explained. I’ll be playing this song for a long while yet. In love with the piano during and after breakdown, but it needs more prominence on the track.
06. John O’Callaghan feat. Lo-Fi Sugar – Never Fade Away
The title track turns out to be an ok chill out song. It slows the albums pace down which is nice. Lyrics are quite sweet and touching.
07. John O’Callaghan & Tom Colontonio – Through the Light
Through the light flows in nicely from the previous track – then turns really fast paced! Then slows down again. I’m sure a remix of this will unleash some potential, but for the moment it’s quite flat.
08. John O’Callaghan – Broken
This is more like the JOC style that I know! Fast and thumping with a great melody. More like this Jocco, “let’s go!”.
09. John O’Callaghan feat. Lo-Fi Sugar – Every Lesson Learned
Every lesson learned started off fast paced with a strong progressive melody. Jury’s still out for the vocals and lyrics. Have a listen and tell me what you think of it.
10. John O’Callaghan – Don’t Look back
Hmmm…abit ‘meh’ to be honest. I’m sure Armin picked this as Tune of the Week for ASOT 402 to promote Jocco’s album more than anything.
11. John O’Callaghan & Aly & Fila – Megalithic
Another favourite of mine! Great trance track with Aly & Fila
12. John O’Callaghan feat. Audrey Gallagher – Big Sky (Acoustic version)
A nice chillout version of Big Sky. Doesn’t really sit right with me because of the constant belting of the Agnelli Nelson remix.
13. John O’Callaghan feat. Audrey Gallagher – Big Sky (Joint Operation Centre Deconstruction)
Wow, what a remix! I’m loving this Big Sky version. The different bass beats are delicious and Joint Operation Centre haven’t messed with the vocals. I’m preferring this version over the Agnelli and Nelson remix for a nice change.
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