The current social climate seems well served by an acoustic album. The internal quietude, coupled with the introspection , seems par course for the age of unrest and uncertainty. Considering that, John McDonough’s, Second Chances, has arrived in a timely fashion. Formerly out of Austin, now by way of Chicago, McDonough is an established Singer/Songwriter, with over half a dozen albums to his credit. Second Chances does not consist of original material, but rather acoustic versions of songs from two of McDonough’s previous efforts.

URL: https://www.johnmcdonoughlive.com/

McDonough has been compared to James Blunt and even, Elton John. His style is honestly a little difficult to describe, but once you hear it, it has a reasonable sense of familiarity. McDonough’s talent is obvious from the first note. His penchant for compositional technique, and his originality as a vocalist, seals his credibility, instantly. Second Chances, a 10 song LP, sounds like an artist at their zenith.

John recruited Kris Farrow for lead duties on Second Chances, and Cody Rathmell to provide backing vocals. This might be one of the most crucial decisions on McDonough’s part, as the three work together, brilliantly. McDonough provides rhythm, and his and Farrow’s synergy is almost inconceivable. Their parts are so well flushed, and in perfect simpatico, that it sounds like the work of a clone.  Rathmell, for his part, adds a touch of vulnerability and sensitivity to McDonough’s commanding vocals, and bolstering passion.

“Give Me One More Day To Say Goodbye” is the one track on Second Chances that seems to have a bit of a Country flavor. McDonough pleads for his object of affection to stay, just a little longer. The title really encapsulates this one. You already get a sense of the direction, before you hear it, and many of us can attach that request to something, quite personal. In short, McDonough has already won us over, before the first chord.

What’s interesting about John’s lyrical style, is how untamed it is. He sings as if he is experiencing his content, in real time.  It has something of a dream like quality, in that the images seem to be constantly shifting. While it can be a little confusing at times, I think it ultimately adds to his singularity. For all of the artists he is compared to, including his beloved, James Taylor, McDonough only shows snippets of isolated influences.

Through a combination of originality, focus, and unbridled passion, John McDonough has delivered a somewhat riveting acoustic work. To truly absorb and appreciate, Second Chances, it must be experienced in its complete form. You could possibly liken it to Cowboy Junkies, Trinity Sessions, in it’s cool, and inwardly directed ambience, with an excruciatingly impressive attention to detail. As a music critic, I don’t see how you can’t enthusiastically recommend this record, as it checks off all of the necessary boxes. It’s the kind of record that grounds us, while preparing us to take flight to our greatest heights, yet.

John McCall