Celebrated British songwriter Mark Nevin returns with “Shining On The Hill,” a soulful summer anthem of hope, feel-good vibes, and deft-as-ever musicianship.
Nevin, chiefly the songwriter behind Fairground Attraction and an esteemed solo performer, presents a track that’s not just a wind-up festive caper but a sunlit peace card celebrating little miracles across the world. “Shining On The Hill” transports listeners to sunlit heights from the first few notes with its breezy, groove-laden arrangement and feeling of unshakable hope. The song is adorned with the unmistakable shimmer of James Hallawell’s Hammond organ, the rootsy, rich The Waterboys pedigree that he brings to the track, and a blazing horn section from The Kick Horns, whose magnificent work with the likes of Eric Clapton and The Who is heard in triumphant form here. The result is a classic and fresh track, strutting with soulful tradition and collapsing with modern purpose.
Nevin’s voice floats along on an airy warmth, communicating a message that’s as relevant now as ever. His lyrics sparkle with an almost spiritual optimism, a plea for world peace and harmony that never seems heavy-handed, only beautifully sincere. It’s a song that feels custom-designed for sunset drives, late-night dancing indoors, or just sitting quietly in the sunshine, feeling it warm your skin with a drink in hand.