England’s troubadour turns up trumps with the help of a soulful band. Mr Love & Justice is his best realized work musically for ages. The tone is country soul, set by the new single ‘I Keep Faith’, with backing vocals by Robert Wyatt and Hammond organ from Ian McLagan. You feel that Bragg and band are really working together.

If it’s raw Billy you want, an extra disc has the same songs done solo. You’ll get your ration, one way or another. While he’s not the firebrand he was when he started out (who among us is?), there is soul and fire a-plenty in this tremendous new album. Maybe the snarl is missing from his voice compared to the early days when it was a harsh, uncompromising instrument used for bashing social injustice. But what of Billy Bragg’s talent, creativity and passion? It’s still firmly intact. Against rootsy, almost countrified settings, the Bard Of Barking gets in touch with his softer side, still concerned about the world, but finding solace in matters of the heart, hence the title Mr Love & Justice. The album does have its political moments (what else would you expect?) Particularly effective is O Freedom with the chorus: “O freedom, what liberties are taken in thy name”. But mostly, Bragg proves he can adapt to survive. Watch out, too, for a limited edition bonus disc featuring stripped-down solo versions of the album’s 12 songs which suggests he’s also still great value for money.

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