Now (Graham Nash album) explained

Now
Type:studio
Artist:Graham Nash
Cover:Graham Nash - Now.png
Recorded:2020–2022
Studio:Studio 145, Brooklyn Recording, Don Caldwell Studios
Genre:Folk rock
Length:38:43
Label:BMG
Producer:
  • Graham Nash
  • Todd Caldwell
Prev Title:Over the Years
Prev Year:2018

Now is the seventh solo studio album by British singer-songwriter Graham Nash, released on 19 May 2023 through BMG Rights Management. It was co-produced by Nash and Todd Caldwell. It is Nash's first album of new material in seven years and received generally favorable reviews from critics.

Critical reception

Now received a score of 75 out of 100 based on four critics' reviews on review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable" reception. Michael Gallucci of Ultimate Classic Rock felt that the album is "marked by the inevitable passing of time" and Nash "finds meaning, and something to say, in even the smallest of everyday occurrences". Ultimately he felt that he as Nash is "backed often by the sparest of arrangements, however, much of it leans toward the mundane."[1] Lee Zimmerman of American Songwriter found the "material is softly lit and effortlessly assured, conveying the calming and caressing sound that all so frequently added its soothing sobriety to CSN and CSNY". Zimmerman also remarked on the "rallying cries" in multiple songs ("Golden Idols", "Stars & Stripes" and "Stand Up"), with other tracks like "Buddy's Back" with his former Hollies bandmate Allan Clarke "betray[ing] more than a hint of nostalgia".

Reviewing the album for musicOMH, Steven Johnson called it "moving" as well as a "generous, warm-hearted set of 13 songs, a distillation of his current interests and musical aesthetic". Johnson wrote that Nash's "longstanding themes are pursued amid uncomplicated arrangements and clear-sighted melodies", although there is also "grit and anger among the smoothness". Erin Osmon of Uncut wrote that the "personal and political meet" on the "soul-searching" album, one that "doesn't stray too far from the magic of his wheelhouse", although commenting that Nash "does update his propensities for the modern day, singing of current political turmoil, environmental destruction and his love for wife".

Commercial performance

On the midweek UK Albums Chart dated 22 May 2023, Now placed at number 46,[2] debuting at number 97 on the final chart.

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gallucci . Michael . 19 May 2023 . Graham Nash, Now: Album Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230519155332if_/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/graham-nash-now-album-review/ . 19 May 2023 . 24 May 2023 . Ultimate Classic Rock.
  2. Web site: Official Albums Chart Update Top 100: 22 May 2023 – 28 May 2023 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230715195451if_/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart-update/20230508/7502u . 15 July 2023 . 24 May 2023 . Official Charts Company.