Is “You’re Beautiful” really the hit that James Blunt will never live down? I can think of worse songs to have hanging around in your backlist. But I don’t think that his voice is one you soon forget and with his newest CD I’ve found a few reasons, 10 to be exact, to fall in love with his music all over again.
“1973” is the first single from the All the Lost Souls. I think it’s a good introduction to what the rest of the album holds. A little sad, thoughtful, and heavy hearted while somehow light enough that you don’t feel you ought to lock yourself in a dark room. I love this song, it’s easy to listen to and if I’m not careful I find I’ve hit the repeat button on my CD player at work.
In “One of the Brightest Stars” it feels as if Blunt has had a good look at the fickle face of fame. Whether these are his own experiences or he’s just picking it up from watching other celebrities fall, the music is haunting. His voice is sweet, reaching in and tugging at all your heartstrings.
“Same Mistake” is one of my favorites from the album. This is just a good song. No, it’s a great song. The music is good but the lyrics are what really make this song worthy of the repeat button. “I’m not calling for a second chance/ I’m screaming at the top of my voice/ give me reason but don’t give me choice/ ‘Cause I’ll just make the same mistake again/ And maybe someday we will meet, and maybe talk and not just speak/ Don’t buy the promises ‘cause, there are no promises I keep/ And my reflection troubles me, so here I go.”
If you’re looking for something a little mushy look no farther than “Carry you Home” which successfully catches your breath. “As strong as you were, tender you go. I’m watching you breathing for the last time/ A song for your heart, but when it is quiet/ I know what it means and I’ll carry you home/ I’ll carry you home.”
Then you move on to “Give Me Some Love” which really just makes you want to turn it up and sing along. “Why don’t you give me some love?/ I’ve taken ship-load of drugs/ I’m so tired of never fixing the pain/ Valium said to me/ I’ll take you seriously/ And we’ll come back as someone else/ Who’s better than yourself.” While the tempo of the song is upbeat if you take the time to really listen to the lyrics you realize what a painful song it is. It’s hard, and the tempo of the music distracts you at first before the words really get a chance to sink in. I love it.
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Article comments
1 - Matt Davids
Great Review, seriously. Your right about James Blunt. At the end of the day he is a fantastic songwriter and singer.
Jaded critics are all too often dismissing great records like this because it's heavily exposed and well, popular. I really appreciate criticism that isn't negative and cynical about music that makes people feel something when their intellectual and social guard is down. Hell, that's what great music is all about. Enjoying it and letting it send endless shivers up your spine.
He Seems like a nice chap too! Kudos.
2 - Sevenine
You do music reviews, too? Cool.
Anyway, agreed on James Blunt. Sometimes I just get the impression that he's been kicked in a very special place to get that high voice, but he really is a good musician and singer.
3 - dalaf9
I saw Blunt for the first time on tv last night, I think he is HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!