About me, by me: Music and songwriting are my first loves and in an ideal world, what I'd more of my time doing. Like years of poetry before, I write about things that matter to me and at times things I think should matter more to others than is sometimes the case. Hence the title of my latest album, "Under the Skin, From the Heart". About me and my music, according to a good music buddy Tunbridge Wells Based singer/songwriter Chris Pope is an inspiring modern day Troubadour. He does not fall into the category of bland introspective mainstream pop that so many singer/songwriters do nowadays. The fact is Chris Pope is a rare gem indeed, because he pens lyrics of real substance and meaning. He touches on themes and experiences that people are able to genuinely relate to and captures the attention of his audience from the very first note whether you are listening to him live or from his CD. In a solo career that began just over 2 years ago, Chris Pope has already emerged as one of the South East's most exciting talents and has already enjoyed headline performances at the revered Grey Lady Music Lounge in Tunbridge Wells and festivals such as Local & Live'. Review of “Under the skin, from the heart” by the founder and host of Paul Dunton & Guests, one of the leading acoustic, original music events in the South East of England with bi-weekly performances from over 100 leading acts. The recently released album 'Under the Skin, From the Heart' from up and coming Tunbridge Wells singer/songwriter Chris Pope, is an excellent debut album. There is an atmospheric quality to his music that hits you right away with the beautifully crafted 'Fly Away' which exudes rich melody, powerful as it is intimate. Vocally, he delivers a warm endearing tone. You get the sense that his vocals are reflective of his nature and his music. His has a rare ability to express a wide range of emotions within his songs with a certain subtleness, control and unbridled passion. The album offers plenty of intriguing contrast and there is a healthy balance between intimate finger-picked ballads such as deeply personal 'Bidden' and more robust, heavier strummed anthems such as the thought provoking 'Dark Side of the Moon' and the politically edged 'Dark Orange Crush'. It is an absorbing debut with the key factor here being imagination. Here is an artist that writes songs that make you want to listen intently and use your imagination. 'Jet Pilot' is a classic example of this as it takes you back to the carefree days of childhood innocence, aspirations and dreams. In fact, the edgy 'Listen' conveys the heart of an artist who appreciates what it is to listen and be listened to. If you seek honest, real, captivating acoustic music with no fuss or gimmicks then Chris Pope is the man for you and "Under the Skin, From the Heart" should be in your music collection.