A fan of the band Dispatch for many years, I have followed Pete Francis into his solo career after the release of "So They Say" in 2001 and "Untold" in 2003. Francis is not just another "acoustic guitar player;" the last decade he has spent recording and performing with Dispatch has helped him to establish a name in the industry, and has shaped him a loyal fan base. Those years have turned this singer/songwriter into a developed and mature musician.

Francis combines everything from funk to pop, jazz to rock, and blues to reggae for his first release off a major label (Hollywood Records). As a songwriter, Francis is not only a storyteller but also a poet, which shines through songs such as "Beneath the Fire," "Motion," "OK," and "Burning the River" (a returning song from "So They Say"). The saxophone, organ, violin, French horn, and banjo are just a few of the various instruments used to add complexity to the album. "I wanted to go with 'Untold' with a more expansive sound, with a lot of different instrumentation, but it is still very much rooted in the words and in the voice," says Francis. "Untold" begins with the catchiest song on the album, "One Train." Its rhythmic and seductive sound creates an original track to jump-start the album into a positive mood. "One Train" has a full sound, which is contributed to by the background vocals of Nadine Lafond.

"Beneath the Fire" brings an earthy and warm tone to the CD. Inspired by the events of September 11th, Francis' vocals are calming and deep. "I feel he's deep down/Past smoke and steel/Broken concrete walls/Where I sit down here I say." One of the most admirable aspects of Pete Francis is his ability to bring together diverse people of all ages at his live shows and fill them with the same energy he permeates. He involves each audience member to create an intimate environment. Francis has been able to deliver this intimacy to every listener of "Untold", creating a sincere and satisfying compilation. The title track is an emotive song about discovery. The jazzy, rich tune later transforms into a reggae-inspired chorus by the end of the song. This unique arrangement proves Francis' fearless determination to compose original music.

Francis closes the album with "OK," a ghostly song with chilling vocals. "You trade the cold wind/You turned your bruise in/For more than you bargained." "OK" is a perfect example of the mysterious compositions Francis creates with his lyrics and melodies. "I think that it comes across in the lyrics and in the production that I try to go with something that is not as pop and more poetic ... something more experimental."

Combining his creative sounds on the eleven tracks, Francis offers a collection of sensuous songs about relationships, poetry, growing, and loss. "Untold" is an authentic, radiant album, that is sure to captivate his long-time fans, as well as new discoverers of this wise singer/songwriter.