Reviews for "The Love You Shared" (unless otherwise stated)
Folk on Tap
Steve explodes onto this CD with the sort of energy that makes you sit up and take notice. His is a highly individual style which follows only his own rules. He must be a very exciting live performer and he manages to carry that through to the recorded work. He sings only his own songs on this CD and puts me in mind of Rory McLeod. Like Rory, Steve came to music after a variety of work experiences. This CD was produced with help from Robb Johnson after Robb saw him perform in Bristol. Some of the subject matter of the songs is political and more is just observations of life. I can see how Robb would approve of this man. So do I. He is the sort of original performer who moves the folk process along, and that, along with the traditional element, is needed.
Written by SB - Spring 2004
Taplas
From the somewhat skewed love song, Till I Don't Know (possible the only song to name check Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch) that opens this, his debut album, it's clear that Bristol-born singer songwriter Steve Hughes has a slightly off kilter view of the world. It's also obvious that he's a fine songwriter in the Robb Johnson and Rory McLeod mould, adding his own idiosyncratic twist to songs that superficially deal with such mundane subjects as 21st century work ethics (World of Work) and the shortcomings of the education system (I Dunno Nuffin). Apart from an appearance from fiddler Liz Tedbury on one track, the album is simply Steve, a guitar and some thought provoking and entertaining songs that cover all bases, from illicit love affairs (Man on the Cliff Face) to anti-war statements (Tight Walls), for the most part underlain with a strong political message. This is particularly evident on Revolutionaries' Love Song, which does just what it says on the tin, i.e. it's a love song and it's a call to arms. In the south west of England, Steve is already building a formidable reputation as a live performer and the release of this album should consolidate that reputation and bring his name to a wider audience.
Written by Dave Haslam - February 2005
There's always room for more quality singer-songwriters, and I'll always find space for Steve after hearing this, his first recording. Steve might be described as one of those damned fine s/s who continually enjoys great success on a regional level yet hasn't (yet) broken through into the national consciousness. All of which should be set to change, I suspect, when the world hears The Love You Shared....
Click here to see the FULL REVIEW
Written by David Kidman - August 2003
Tykes News
Steve Hughes is a singer and songwriter from the South West with a big smile and a strong debut album. The first time I played "The Love You Shared" I was slightly scared by the pigeon-like chirruping at the beginning of the first track, but after the initial shock, I was in for a good listening experience.
The album is a lively mixture of songs and one tune. I particularly like "You To Cherish You" which simply brims over with tenderness, and I couldn't get "Man On The Cliff Face" out of my head for days. His subject matter touches on the political now and again, but he sings for the most part about the kind of things we all experience every day, and his lyrics are generally effective. I felt that a couple of tracks were a little on the long side, but it is nothing unforgivable.
Steve has a touch of Billy Bragg and Robb Johnson about him on the album, but overall it is permeated by an individuality and enthusiasm that makes it a pleasure to listen to. There is an exuberance in this recording which makes me imagine he must be very good live. Hopefully "The Love You Shared" will succeed in its aim of getting Steve onto the national circuit and we might be seeing him soon somewhere near us? Steve said that he just wanted people to enjoy his music and for it to make them happy- "The Love You Shared" tick both boxes for me!
Written by Rachel Patti - Spring 2005
Folk London
Another CD from Robb Johnson's Unlabelled label. Steve Hughes is a singer new to me writing songs that range from comparatively straightforward love songs to tracks like "The World of Work" that deals with the destructive effects of the 21st century workplace, with all the protections that the unions fought for in the last century swept away, and most people ignorant of the humanity that has been stolen from them. "Ballad of Hooversville" is a dust bowl song that remembers the dispossessed, the loss of pride as well as money and land. "Sunrise" a lovely guitar solo with some first class bottleneck playing on it. "Dance and Go Yeah" is a cheerful anthem for squatters who can find nowhere else to live. For a favourite track though it is a toss up between "You to Cherish You" and "Till I Don't Know". Steve Hughes is a fine singer who writes great songs.
Written by T.F. - Jan / Feb 2005
Decode Magazine
An unlucky for no one selection of thirteen delightful campfire ditties from a man clearly in love with his life and his muse. Bright songs full of joy belted out with an earthy, spiritual aplomb, but still with enough pathos to slip from sparkle to sadness and straight back home again before the wind catches your sails. Hughes whoops and hollers and turns out enough folk-fuelled goodness to keep an entire free party warm for the winter.
Written by Roy Delaney - September - October 2003
Venue Magazine
It's been a long wait for the debut album from this very popular Bristol based singer/songwriter. Steve's early work showed the obvious influence of English songwriters such as Robb Johnson and Rory McLeod, but as time went on he forged his own unique style. Like other, more famous writers, Steve is able to combine serious subject matter with a typically English sense of the absurd or whimsical. Containing material already popular as part of his live shows, this album is a good reflection of Steve on stage. It's virtually a solo effort, with just a few assists from ace fiddle player Liz Tedbury (his sometimes live accompanist). Steve was also responsible for much of the mixing and production of this superbly sequenced CD - a recording that brings the very essence of Steve Hughes right into your living room.
(Star Rated 4 out of 5)
Written by Tony Slinger - 30 May - 5 June 2003
With influences such as Robb Johnson, Rory McLeod and Billy Bragg, you'd expect songs with a fair dose of political and environmental overtones. That's what Bristol-born and bred singer-songwriter, Steve Hughes, offers on this album, and more .... intelligent, politically and socially-aware lyrics and some fine slidy fingerwork on the steel and acoustic guitars.
Click here to see the FULL REVIEW
Written by Kathy Tan - September 2004
Bath Chronicle
Steve Hughes, a singer who until recently lived in Bath, but who has now moved back to Bristol, has just brought out an album of typically hard-hitting but uplifting commentaries on contemporary life and love. The Love You Shared is released on Robb Johnson's Irregular Records label [: UNLaBELLED - Ed].
Steve's songs on the album are mainly love songs in different guises, but there is also a distinctly political edge. His style can best be described as an amalgamation of Billy Bragg, Robb Johnson and Rory McLoed, and he shares their vision and originality. His ability to write incisive lyrics and hold the attention of his audience is as always self-evident in his music.
Written by Rosie Upton - 8th August 2003
Scrumpy 'n' Western
UNLaBELLED Tour, Cafe Unlimited, 12 Nov 04
Tonight Cafe Unlimited provided the intimate setting for the "UNLaBELLED" artists who are currently touring the UK with their uncompromising brand of political folk.....
It was a triumphant homecoming for Steve Hughes who turned in a breathtaking performance taking the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The room echoed with laughter during his comedic interludes but then fell beautifully silent for Steve's moving rendition of "Her Lover Not Her Enemy", a song taken off his debut album "The Love You Shared". "Man on the Cliff Face" was another hi-light of a passionate, enchanting set by an artist at the top of his game....
Written by Elliot Hall - Feb 05