2005
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Blunt
FB: http://www.facebook.com/jamesblunt
www: http://www.jamesblunt.com/
On the whole, Back To Bedlam is a very sombre recording. There is actually a song that isn’t so melancholy. But it’s only one song. If you’re feeling depressed, do NOT listen to this album!
However, it is a beautiful album. The songs are all very emotive and some are quite personal. It’s a very pleasant album and easy to sing along with.
One thing that I find amusing is a story I heard him tell in an interview. One of my favourite songs on the album, Goodbye My Lover, was probably the biggest single from the album and he wrote it to win a girl back. It didn’t work.
The style reminds me of something somewhere inbetween Sting and Coldplay, in the way the songs are written. They are mostly quite complex arrangements, which suits Blunt’s voice and style perfectly.
My favourite song is by far No Bravery. It was written when he was serving in the military in Kosovo and I find it to be one of the most honest songs I’ve heard.
I do like this album a lot, but I think it’s all I really need of his. Mind you, from what I understand his more recent work is a bit less melancholy (which I’m not so sure would suit him).
Standout tracks are High, You’re Beatiful, Goodbye My Lover and No Bravery.
8.5/10
