‘The Journey of a Madman’ is Collin Littlewood ’s debut album, a collection of songs written and performed from the heart.

While the album’s mostly in a consistent, but often meandering, country-tinged vein, there’s room for a different touch, and Littlewood obviously has an affinity for blues-rock, incorporating it in Pushing Up Roses, Te Awanga Town, and Love Or Lust, providing a bit of difference to mid-tempo country numbers.

Lyrically, the album visits experiences in Littlewood’s life, and well as telling some stories, and all are laid-back – with the exception of Pavlova Paradise, which is politically themed, with topical lyrics and an insistent swing.

Produced in Queensland at The Sound Space and in Te Awanga Sounds in the Hawkes Bay, ‘Journey of a Madman’ is passionately performed and consistent, but veers towards pleasantness, and stays there, barely causing a ripple.

There is nothing wrong with pleasant music, but impassioned performances can’t cover up often wandering lyrics and a middle of the road approach.