Released: 5 November 2021
Wet Wet Wet return with ‘The Journey’ – their first album of original material in 14 years.
The LP is the group’s first to feature new frontman Kevin Simm, who replaces outgoing original member Marti Pellow as the band’s vocalist.
It’s a noticeable shift that, for die hard fans of the Scottish soft-rockers, will no doubt prove jarring on first listen. Fortunately, Kevin takes the reins and seals his place in the band quickly.
Opening with lead single Back to Memphis, it’s one of a handful of tracks that tread familiar territory, somewhere between rootsy Americana and late night lounge bar, offering a gentle reintroduction to the group.
But echoes of the past only highlight their forward-looking approach, which incorporates funk influences (If I Don’t Have Luv), brass sections (The Conversation) and straightforward pop sensibilities (Comin’ Around).
Deluxe editions of the record feature a bonus disc of re-recorded greatest hits – a move which, although divisive for some, only highlights Simm’s merit as a singer and a fitting substitute for the group.
If ‘The Journey’ is a transition from the Wet Wet Wet of old to its current iteration, its a hopeful sign for what’s yet to come from their musical legacy.
‘The Journey’ is available on CD, vinyl and cassette.
