GENRE; Indie( Melodic Pop Rock) / Soft Rock/ 80s Rock/ Dream Pop
RELEASE DATE; 7 November, 2025
RATING; 4/5
Pole Position by Mick J. Clark feels like the work of a songwriter who has lived with his craft for years and knows exactly what kind of record he wants to make. Released in November 2025, the album sits comfortably in the easy-listening space, drawing from MOR, country, rock, R&B, and classic ballads. There’s no sense of rushing or chasing trends here. Instead, Clark lets strong melodies and clear emotions do the heavy lifting, giving the album a timeless, radio-friendly character. The record opens with “There’s Nothing Anybody Can Do,” Clark reflects on the challenges of love with striking honesty: “But there’s nothing anybody can do, nothing anybody can say; everybody’s already told you that love can be harder than tough.” The line captures the song’s central theme of acceptance and resilience, setting the tone for the album’s mix of heartfelt ballads and reflective storytelling by letting us know that the hardest moments are often faced alone, making the song feel less like advice and more like shared understanding.
In “My Friend Evonne,” Clark captures effortless affection with the line, “My friend Evonne, is all I want, she can turn me on like a summer song,” a simple but vivid expression of warmth and longing. The longing at the heart of “Just Gimmie Some Lovin’” is summed up perfectly in the line, “Just give me some lovin’, oh but if it ain’t the right time to make me come alive, how long will it take till you decide” a moment that captures vulnerability, patience, and emotional honesty in one breath. Tracks like “Honey You’re a Fool to Cry” stands out for its lyrical restraint, using the quietly devastating line “Honey you’re a fool to cry, ’cause he said goodbye… you gotta stop or I’ll be crying too” to show Clark’s ability to express shared pain without overstating the emotion. On “Why Oh Why,” Clark captures a moment of quiet self-reckoning with the line, “Why, trying to impress I guess, but why oh why. Can I just be who I am, take control and be the man,” a lyric that distills the song’s emotional core into a simple but deeply relatable question of identity.
The album moves on, relationship themes take center stage. “What Are We Together For” captures the tension between passion and uncertainty, with lines like “Danger was a thrill to behold, live for the moment we would never grow old. Now what are we together for, love should be everything or nothing at all” highlighting the emotional honesty at the heart of his songwriting. In “Goodbye My Love” Clark captures heartbreak with striking honesty, singing, “Nobody told me, love don’t last forever, nobody said we wouldn’t always be together,” a line that perfectly conveys the bittersweet reality of lost love. One of the standout moments arrives with “Everybody Needs a Place to Hide” Clark captures a universal feeling with the lyric, “Everybody needs a getaway, somewhere they can go, where they can stay and just be all alone,” offering listeners a moment of quiet reflection and emotional honesty that resonates deeply. These tracks highlight why Clark’s music translates so well beyond albums, fitting naturally into film, television, and radio playlists.
The closing run leaves a lasting impression. Mick J. Clark’s storytelling shines through in songs like “Walking Down 5th Avenue”, where he sings, “Walking down 5th Avenue giving out an attitude, She turns, she looks, she’s checking out what this guy is all about.” The track captures a playful, observational energy, blending everyday moments with catchy, easy-going melodies that stay with the listener long after the song ends. The album closes with “This Is Where My Heart Belongs,” a tender ballad that captures the essence of Clark’s songwriting: “This is where my heart belongs, if you only knew. This is where my heart belongs, deep inside of you.” It’s a heartfelt ending that leaves listeners with a sense of warmth, intimacy, and connection, perfectly rounding off the journey of Pole Position. For listeners who value well-written songs, real stories, and a calm confidence, this album delivers exactly what it promises.
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