Part Two, or Disk O2, of Lord Baldwin's 2011 double album " Addicted To The Machine ", starts with a high energy song about the sad reality of corruption and greed in politics and economics. It is a quintessential Lord Baldwin ballad giving voice to the frustration of the common man dealing with the unfairness in our democracy that these days is stretching thin its definition of " for the people by the people."... The song features a great harmonica paired with an unlikely yet highly effective saxophone.
The second song , " Tonight, Believe " talks about the importance of hanging on to our dreams. "Time Won't Keep " is a gentle song about the bittersweet reality of time passing irrevocably as our children grow up and leave the preciousness of childhood behind.
" To Know " is a haunting song that deals with the mystery of destiny as seen through the eyes of a child trying to come to terms with its randomness." The Strength Of My Life " is a prayer of praise that is both heartfelt and disarming.
The sadness and anxiety of growing up with abuse and the chaos it causes time and again in adults and children alike who try to get away from their tormentor, is sung in a heart wrenching way in " Here We Go ". The instrumental "Round The Round " is reminiscent of some of Alan Parsons Project's music, a welcome lyrical pause in the deeply soul searching colours of this second disc. " "Maybe This Time " reiterates the theme of abuse and the scars it leaves in the psyche, and the difficulty of generating the energy for hope for a change of heart on the part of the abuser. It speaks very effectively of the legacy of sorrow abuse leaves in the hearts of children. It is a profound song that leaves its imprint.
" Eva " is a moving song dedicated to the bard's mother after she passed away,it is both a coming to terms with what happened to her during her difficult life, as well as a song of acceptance and spiritual transcendence. " Something Must Be Wrong " is a Bob Dylan like ballad about a young person questioning their abusive parent's state of mind. It is a very positive song in that in it the child rejects the idea that abuse is something you should just get used to.
" Pink Boots, Green Laces" is a delightfully whimsical song about the joy of being a free spirit.
The last song on Disk 02 is a resolute stance in the face of the hardships as a result of a turn down in the economy since the frightening recession of 2008.This way the last song loops perfectly back to the first ballad, adding that signature of altruism to the strong spirit of introspection in this second part of " Addicted To The Machine ". A powerful double album that looks both to a personal past and a collective future, with a keen insight and a strong sense of hope and purpose. Impressive instrumentation in this last song, a definite signature of Lord Baldwin's heart and soul that refuse to take "no" for an answer when it comes to life's challenges.
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