Always in tune with global and political issues, Chris de Burgh provides much food for thought in the lyrical content of his new album, A Better World.

The title alone sets the tone and intent for a collection of songs which, although not exclusively concerned with key issues of the day, certainly holds up a mirror to many of them.

Musically, A Better World is a familiar de Burgh melting pot of diverse styles, tempos and instrumentation. Ballads sit alongside anthems, solo performances with band or orchestral ensemble pieces. Straight-ahead rock and pop songs are infused with regional flavour, from Caribbean to Celtic. Guitar, bass, drums and keyboards are augmented by pipes, strings and brass. Throughout, Chris’s voice is by turns powerfully clear and passionately sensitive.

• Singer - songwriter