Transforming ordinary stories that happen to every person in daily life into profound tales full of meaning, life lessons and warnings—that is talent. And if one can also “translate” them into music to simultaneously lighten the information whilst ensuring it truly touches the soul and heart, embedding itself in memory—that is an art not everyone can master. For here it is necessary to present a clear and sharp story in such a way that the listener feels all its facets. Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus have masterfully solved this problem in their new album “Two True Loves”.

The concept was brilliantly realised in every aspect: from the proper sequence of tracks on the album to the performance of each individual track. All of this helped them to feel every theme raised in each separate track, and to transition smoothly, without abrupt changes, from one theme to another, without losing the emotional mood. Jim & Sherry are not ashamed to be vulnerable, open before the listener. They readily share their own experiences, as well as those of everyone who has ever loved and lost, hoped and fallen. “Two True Loves” turned out alive, breathing—and examining it in greater detail was pure pleasure for me.

The album begins with the track “I Want it All”. This is an unusual decision, as the track is very fast and energetic. And because of this, immediately after switching on, it resembles more a parachute jump into tempting unknown territory or a car ride at very high speed: adrenaline soars, excitement fades and one simply wants to go somewhere, do something. And this despite the fact that the beginning of the song is calm, without music, which allows one to mentally prepare for the rapid “launch into the unknown”.

The following title track “Two True Loves” is also a peculiar challenge and contradiction. On one hand, Jim & Sherry tell us about love. But on the other hand, the folk-rock performance gives the track a distinctive sharpness and activity, touching the hidden strings of the soul. For this emphasises that love is not always only joy and happiness. A couple may have serious problems between partners that need resolving. And sometimes the process of finding compromise is a series of quarrels.

But the unexpected transition in the track “Leave Me Alone” came as a surprise. Not in terms of music (it is arranged quite harmoniously). We’re talking about the theme and the persistence that can be heard during the performance of the track. When listening, one can distinctly hear that painful desire of a person to be alone. This theme is very acute, as modern people are constantly in the public eye (social networks, work, studies), which doesn’t allow them the opportunity to keep something personal for themselves, to be alone with their thoughts. The sad yet persistent melody emphasises that such a desire is normal. And one shouldn’t abandon it just because someone else doesn’t like it.

“Nothing At All”, “That One Cup Of Coffee We Never Had”, “Laurence Beall”—are united by one theme about unhappy love and separation. This is quite a sharp transition, as the first tracks are distinguished by very energetic and partly optimistic melodies (especially the first one), forcing one to move forward and hope for the best. Here, however, the sad voice of the guitar emphasises the pain of loss and partly philosophical reflections of “what would have been if…”. Sadness and regret that everything turned out this way literally fill the tracks from the first chords, forcing one to first freeze in place from the barrage of emotions, and then set aside all affairs and listen attentively.

“She Doesn’t Want To See You Anymore”, “Annabelle Lee”, “Why Did You Leave Me For Him”, are also conditionally united into one group because of the theme of loneliness. Each track is a peculiar ode to sadness and loneliness that a person experiences after separation from a loved one. Light guitar fingerpicking, the tenderness of keyboards and drums, the vocal harmonies of Jim & Sherry—all this wonderfully weaves together into something very soulful that can be listened to and re-listened to an endless number of times. Different themes are raised here: betrayal (“Why Did You Leave Me For Him”), allowing others to control one’s own life (“Caught In the Headlights”). Confusion over why a loved one acts this way, combined with pain and sadness, is highlighted through the interplay of drums, guitar, and keyboards. The music conveys a calm, reflective journey—seeking a resolution and the possibility of forgiving the one who caused such heartache.

And the last three tracks of this album “Hard Times”, “What If You’re Fooling Me Now” and “One More Song”, —are penetrating and make one think about the most complex questions that every person encounters in their life. And sometimes—daily. Such a conclusion to the album is unusual. It reminds one of the ending of a good book with an open ending, where each person gets the opportunity to independently think through the story, make a certain decision that could radically change their life.

In conclusion, it should be said: the album “Two True Loves” by Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus is an interesting and unusual find! The tracks are selected in such a way that they force one to gradually immerse oneself in reflections about all the events that have occurred in life. I was very pleased by the interesting decision of the performers to begin with an energetic and optimistic track, and conclude with slightly philosophical tracks. And the most wonderful thing—all the events that are raised in the tracks are real!

To reveal a theme so interestingly and deeply that it literally “cuts” to the depths of the soul and makes one think about what has happened in one’s own life—that is real talent! This album will definitely be frequently re-listened to by me, in order to take timely measures to change my life for the better! The release is scheduled for 12th September—a date worth marking in the calendar for all fans of quality music, because “Two True Loves” promises to become one of the bright musical events of autumn.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub