2017 release from the singer/songwriter best known as the frontman of Men At Work. Fierce Mercy is an epic, cinematic step forward from singer/songwriter, Colin Hay, most beloved for his intimate, confessional live shows and songs that can draw a tear from the most unlikely listeners, including Metallica frontman, James Hetfield, who recently included one of Colin's songs on his public playlist. Fierce Mercy explores the themes of love and loss but always with the singular perspective and acerbic wit that has defined Hay's work since his days as front man of the wildly popular '80s band, Men at Work. Now finding himself in the unprecedented place of having both' 80s fame and indie credibility, Hay has created a new classic in his already impressive body of work, using a palette of pop songcraft, Americana flourishes, and soundtrack ready strings. Recorded in both Los Angeles and Nashville and mixed by Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White) and Gordon Hammond (Buddy Miller, Don Williams), it's possible that Hay has delivered the defining album of his career.

Being a working songwriter suits Colin Hay. Arriving in early 2017, just two years after its predecessor Next Year People, Fierce Mercy bears many familiar traits from Hay's albums of the 21st century - it's mellow yet wry, mellifluous with a bit of grit - but it feels fuller and richer than its immediate predecessors. Hay handles the production on his own this time, and he's given himself a bigger, bolder palette, a shift that's evident from the opener "Come Tumblin' Down." Lively and bright, "Come Tumblin' Down" sets the tone for Fierce Mercy. While Hay certainly indulges in moments of quiet contemplation - "Two Friends" is gentle and rustic, "A Thousand Million Reasons" offers a shimmering electronic balm, and "The Best in Me" is a signature, ambling, friendly pop tune - Fierce Mercy is distinguished by the moments when Hay aims slightly for left of center. "Secret Love" rings out like a muted Phil Spector production," "Frozen Fields of Snow" rolls along with echoes of late-'60s progressive folk, and "I'm Going to Get You Stoned" has a soulful undercurrent that underpins a nice tale of a generational divide. This narrative could've fit on previous Hay albums, but what's appealing about "I'm Going to Get You Stoned" in specific, and Fierce Mercy overall, is how it's bathed in rich, vivid colors - and that expanded sonic range makes this record a cut above Hay's reliably pleasurable offerings.



Tracklist:

01. Come Tumblin' Down (4:04)
02. Secret Love (4:01)
03. A Thousand Million Reasons (3:39)
04. The Best In Me (3:56)
05. Frozen Fields Of Snow (3:57)
06. The Last To Know (3:45)
07. I'm Going To Get You Stoned (4:33)
08. I'm Walking Here (4:08)
09. Two Friends (4:24)
10. She Was The Love Of Mine (3:52)
11. I'm Inside Outside In - (Deluxe Edition Bonus) (3:13)
12. Blue Bay Moon - (Deluxe Edition Bonus) (4:50)
13. Love Don't Mean Enough - (Deluxe Edition Bonus) (3:31)