BMG release Andrew Roachford's latest album, Twice in a Lifetime. Roachford has had chart success with singles including ‘Cuddly Toy’ and ‘Only To Be With You’, ten solo albums, songwriting credits for artists including Chaka Khan and Joss Stone, and is a member of Mike Rutherford’s Mike + the Mechanics...

When we received the press release in our inbox informing us that Roachford was releasing a new album, my first thought was of his '88 hit 'Cuddly Toy'... and then I was at a loss to recall any other songs. So, it was a surprise to learn that Twice in a Lifetime is his 11th album (12th if you include 2005's The Very Best of Roachford), that last year (2019) he was awarded an MBE for services to music, and that he is a member of Mike Rutherford’s Mike + the Mechanics.

The 13 songs here (48 min, 17 sec) made me realise that I should have been keeping up to date with his output, as there's a natural soulful delivery here that is hard not to instantly love.

Talking about the release, Roachford said: "I think that, with this album, I finally get to showcase just who I am - an artist, a songwriter, a pianist. I never wanted to be a fleeting popstar chasing momentary fame; I’ve always been in this for the music and for the long haul – and I’m still here. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a better place than I am right now."

While the album was originally due for release in April 2020, I think the shift its new date of September actually works better. This doesn't sound like a spring album. It's certainly got an autumn vibe about it. As the nights draw in and the logs go on the fire, Roachford's soulful vocals emitting from your speakers will help to add a little warmth to the evenings.

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Nick Smithson