Written by A. G. Corwin, on 14-11-2008 18:02

Editor's rating

Average user rating    (0 vote)

Views 484

Favoured None

The songs feel familar and comfortable at first listen, but what is interesting about Blunt is that his chords, melodies, and often lyrics veer in unpredictable directions, but with great results. Just when you think you know where the song is going, he changes it up a bit. That is the mark of a talented artist. Sonically, the songs are quite rich. The overall production values remind me a lot of Sarah McLachlan's: rich, deep, judicious use of strings and piano, and well crafted combination of instruments that juxatopose his unique voice. Some claim that Blunt envokes David Gray or John Mayer. I disagree, if anything I hear more of Annie Lennox and Tracy Chapman, but with stronger melodies.

Don't be suprised if you start hearing James Blunt popping up on television shows and radio everywhere. His music is accessible, enjoyable, and highly listenable, and if he can continue writing songs like High, Wiseman, So Long Jimmy, Goodbye My Lover, and No Bravery(which is heavily influenced by his experience in Kosovo), he will have a long career. Often #1 albums in Britain don't have the same appeal in the US, but if any album can crossover, this one can.

Note: This is listed as having explicit lyrics, mainly due to a pretty blatant F bomb in "you're beautiful." There weren't any others that I heard. If you find that word offensive, pick up the clean version, which has the radio/video edit.

Last update: 24-11-2008 11:28

Published in : Reviews, Sounds like

Keywords : JAMES BLUNT, Back to Bedlam, Atlantic/Wea, rock, acoustic, pop, folk,

Be first to comment this article