Justin Currie was bassist, lead singer, primary songwriter, and co-founder of the Scottish band Del Amitri, which didn’t make much of a splash outside their native U.K. circa 1980 because they simply came around at the wrong time.

With Del Amitri inactive since 2002, Currie has released two solo albums. His latest, The Great War, once again forces the question, “Why aren’t more people paying attention to one of pop’s absolute best artists.”

Whatever state they’re in, Currie’s protagonists don’t wallow in self-pity (“A Man With Nothing To Do”) or take themselves overly seriously (“Can’t Let Go Of Her Now”). “Anywhere I’m Away From You” features a blistering electric-guitar solo from ex-Del Amitri bandmate Mick Slaven, and makes apparent Currie’s acute self-awareness; his bassist sensibilities add drive and depth to the songs without dampening their inherent liveliness. “The Fight to Be Human” (with more piercing guitar from Slaven) may chronicle despair, but it never quite descends into hopelessness, as evidenced by the quick segue into the resolute “Ready To Be.”

If The Great War doesn’t garner Currie a bunch more fans, it won’t be his fault. And he won’t be the only one wondering why.

This article originally appeared in VG’s Jul. ’10 issue.  All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine.  Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.