Fierce Mercy is the 13th album by an Australian musician Colin Hay. Wow, that sounds like a really prolific artist, doesn’t it? Still, it is possible you haven’t heard his name before. Although he is more famous as a frontman of Men at Work, Colin’s solo career is definitely fertile and interesting. With his current album, he managed to create his most mature work yet, although I must note that Going Somewhere was his pinnacle. Fierce Mercy was produced by Vance Powell and Gordon Hammond, but all of the lyrics are signed by Colin.
Colin Hay’s music was used in many movies and TW shows such as Scrubs and Garden State, so this record gives an impression of something you have heard before. And you probably did, you just didn’t know it was him. With Hay, Everything sounds like a soundtrack. Film quality of the album is a result of powerful images and expressions, arranged to be familiar and approachable. The production is done without any mistake, so there is no rawness to be found here. Every tone is super polished.
Strong pop sound is omnipresent, especially in the biggest hit A Thousand Million Reasons which is supported by a true pop-rock vocal. Colin is a powerhouse singer, so you are never left indifferent when listening to his music. It is a skill not many musicians can be proud of. It can be heard on every song here, but just take a listen at Secret Love, Two Friends and Blue Bay Moon. These are all love songs in top-notch pop-rock arrangement. Very attractive, If you ask me.
Acoustics are hypersensitive on the record, so it sometimes dives into the country waters. That is a special trait of Colin’s style. Most of his albums embrace country vibe. Come Tumblin Down and Frozen Fields of Snow are this album’s evidence.
There are no weak spots here. The album is well-rounded, melodic, acoustic. The vocal is attractive and Colin Hay knows how to write great lyics. He would be way more successful If he was making music in United States. I hope Australia will treat you well with this record, Colin.
