Living On Mercy
Last, 2020
8/10
Even if Dan Penn isn’t a name you’ll recognize, you’ve probably already heard his work as he penned a handful of soul hits in the ‘60s. Though he’s preferred to work behind the scenes as a producer and writer through most of his career, he still occasionally finds time to lay down some original tunes here with esteemed collaborators like Wayne Carson, Spooner Oldham, and Bucky Lindsey, among others.
Penn starts the listen with the soothing singing and soulful soft-rock of the title track, where organs are used strategically, and “I’ll See You In My Dreams” follows with a delicate setting of dreamy backing vocals as a nearly gospel feel enters the mature atmosphere.
Closer to the middle, the jumpy keys of “I Didn’t Hear That Comin’” cultivates a playful delivery of memorable melodies, while “Down On Music Row” is a musically bare but vocally strong display of sublime beauty, where horns enter later in the tune. “Leave It Like You Found It”, one of the album’s best, then takes nods to the ‘70s with its cautious and immediately charming climate.
Near the end, “Things Happen” moves with a gentle, retro quality as spoken word enters the sophisticated landscape, and “One Of These Days” exits the listen with pretty backing vocals alongside Penn’s husky delivery.
Now pushing 80 years old and having been in the songwriting business since he was 16, Penn knows his way around a tune better than just about anyone, as blues, R&B, country and folk ideas come together in timeless, precise ways across Living On Mercy.
Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Rodney Crowell- Tarpaper Sky