A singer/songwriter has a lot to deliver on a solo album, it has to be good from the first note. This album delivers. Be with me is a sit up and listen song and by Two shades of hope (last song) Foy has you by the short and curly's. An outpouring of soul, real soul, a album of hope and fear, an honest album. Live even more soulful and a bit of craic.

I saw this guy in Glasgow without knowing any of his stuff and I was quite simply blown away. His comand of the stage and story telling ability along with well crafted original melodies make for a treat of live performance.

His haunting southern fried Irish tones are a breath of fresh air for all fans of contemporary singer/song writer music. His love for the soulfull delta blues doesn't hamper his contemporary edge. He will be loved by the Damien Rice set just as much as the old school blues and soul faithful.

Foy is one talented guy on stage and thankfully this is reflected in his debut album. His album is a very cut down, low key production which conveys a very natural sounding artist. Some of the songs are so familiar but yet embossed with an original sound. It's hard to find fault with the album, but the production sometimes leaves me asking myself, is this 'bedroom recording' part of the artistry of the song or purely down to lack of finance. Either way - it easily earns my 5 star approval. Once Foy Vance gets on Jools Holland, his ticket price will double over night, so catch him at an intimate gig venue while you can

First of all this album is a mixture of Upbeat soulful tunes and some heartfelt slow acoustic tunes.

Tracks like First of July be with me and shine a light( i think thats it) are truely great up beat tunes as good as what you would expect from van morrison, and soe in a similar style . Then tracks like Act of kindness and Gabriel and the Vagabond , are as good as (if not better ) than a few damien rice classics , except with hugely impressive vocals.

My favourite album right now due to the mix of music , and the live sound recording.

Also , catch this guy live. He will blow you away.

I'll be honest i was expecting big things from this album, really heard alot about Foy and was looking forward to this album coming in the post, before putting it on i had previously heard Gaberial and the Vag... and indiscriminate acts of kind ness, after putting it on these are still the only 2 songs i would listen too, if you purchase vance's CD thinking the album will be like these too songs you'll be disapointed, its very different and the recording has too much of a live feel to me and not in a good live audience way as if to capture something. Or even a Damien rice live way i can just hear the shape of the room he recorded his vocals in on the CD.

The CD is ok its not overly Bad but its also not overly good i'd say Itunes the 2 songs rather than getting the whole album but once again thats just me.

I know the guys a great singer and does a great live show, but this CD for me was disapointing to learn the songs for a live show purchase the CD or to support the artist do it, but the song quality isn't up to my standards, seems very cluttered with some good songs but only 2 quality songs on the CD.

Mememo

i saw foy vance in belfast performing with the ulster orchestra where he showcased some of his songs and the result was incredible. Whether upbeat, or slow ballads, his voice resonated throughout the arena and was amazing to hear live. His songs are well varied and all obviously hold deep meaning to him which is well received by the listener. His album is definately a must buy!

It is so great to see this soon to be legends album up on play.com, if you want a taster of the album download his single - be with me - on the 29th June.

He has a voice that sends shivers down your spine and when you see him live your jaw will drop. The story telling lyrics just leave you wanting to know the meaning behind each track.

Highly recomended, to really exprience this guys talent you have to see him live.

Alyn