Album Review :
Guest Review: Good Saint Nathanael - I Write the Songs I Need (submitted by Brian A. Smith)

We don’t often post guest stories/reviews, but when we had the chance to get veteran writer Brian A. Smith (you might recognize his name from The Phantom Tollbooth), we had to jump at it! Brian offers his thoughts on Good Saint Nathanael’s new album I Write the Songs I Need, released earlier this year.

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Nate Allen has performed in various bands under various names. Some of his songs would be considered quirky, weird, silly, and insightful. Good Saint Nathanael is different.

Hide No Truth, the first record under the Good Saint name, wrecked me emotionally. It stripped away pretension of what life with God can be, and often depicted David- and Job-like depression, fear, and hope. I Write the Songs I Need, is somewhat an easier listen, and not as stark, perhaps because I was better prepared for this outing.

Similar themes emerge on the new project. Nate is not the strongest singer in the classical sense, but much like Neil Young, Rich Mullins, or Sufjan Stevens, his voice and the emotion behind it, is amazingly compelling. It draws you in, because Allen has a knack for turning a phrase, offering snapshots of wanting to change (think Romans 7), and with the angst that comes with trying to believe that is possible, and frustration at the lack of progress, and finally offering hope.

“I Never Hesitated Trouble” leads off, showing what can happen when we think we can do it all on our own: “I tried to practice submission, now I’m just practicing regret.” “I Think You’ve Got Potential” draws upon a baseball analogy, illustrating the curse of what could be versus what is now.

“Extension Chords” illustrates the inner fight of believing in oneself, despite what others have told you: “It’s a good thing when you know they want you and it’s a better thing when they say they need you.”
“Everything’s Better, Everything’s Fine” deals with false fronts, trying to cover up our true feelings. The secrets of presenting happiness while not happy.

Allen walks a fine line between yearning for peace, and dredging up the past as necessary to achieve that goal. “Gravity” highlights the consideration of pain in order to put it behind. “Someday I’m Moving On” is much in the same vein.

Not only does Good Saint Nathanael write the songs he needs, but also the songs we need. You could do (and I have) a lot worse for introspection and therapy.

Rating: 4.5

Order/stream via Bandcamp: https://goodsaintnathanael.bandcamp.com/album/i-write-the-songs-i-need