Broadjam Artist: Nigel Barrett
Song: Looking at the face of God
Reviewer: Kate Carpenter
Positive Comments: This is a gripping song about someone driving downtown and seeing the down and outers/homeless struggling to survive on the streets. The word pictures are excellent and evoke empathy from the listener. “You’re so lucky,” so have some compassion on those you are seeing who have been “dealt a bad hand” and need kindness. Excellent message. Interesting use of the phrase “turn the other cheek” which usually means a reaction to anger, but here it seems to follow more in the line of a Levite in the Good Samaritan story. He turned away and didn’t help the victim of beating and robbery. Smooth vocal, excellent instrumentation and production. This is a polished piece that deserves (and needs to) be heard by many. I could see it used in a movie or a documentary or music video.
Constructive Comments: Let me know if you ever put this on youtube! Great stuff and I definitely want to hear more.Ending was a bit abrupt for my liking. When you’re next downtown. Awkward lyric. I think that one should be changed. You might say (in real life, not a song) Next time you’re downtown. But would you really say, “When you’re next downtown”? After the word next in that context, you might expect to hear Next in Line or something like that. Anyway, I would rework that first line if possible for a smoother delivery and comprehension.
