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SHOPPING > Music > Rock & Pop > Back To Bedlam - James Blunt > Reviews

Back To Bedlam - James Blunt

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Back To Bedlam - James Blunt

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Cry On My Shoulder Once Again

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5 Jul 20th, 2005 

71 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
a unique talent and flawless album

Disadvantages:
all the hype could put people off, and he has a unique voice that obviously isn't for everyone .  .  .

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Originality

Lyrics

Quality and consistency of tracks

How does it compare to the artist's other releases

Value for Money

lizzy8

lizzy8

About me:

My Chemical Romance were amazing! We were right up front! Woo!

Member since:17.08.2004

Reviews:65

Members who trust:150

The first time I heard the song 'You're Beautiful' off this album, I was sitting in the car with a friend, I asked her to turn it up. Who was this? He reminded me so much of Jeff Buckley, the emotion in his voice was so powerful. To me, he had a unique sound, and I was surprised that I had not heard of him before. Not long after that, the song was everywhere, people were saying James Blunt was the next big thing, and there was a lot of hype over this album, which to be honest, put me off a little. I don't enjoy the same music as most people, I detest plastic pop and 'screamo' rock that seems to be the 'in' thing right now. The fact that so many people were talking about him made me think that he was probably going to be a one hit wonder, make everyone sit up and take notice, only to never be heard of again. Despite my reservations I decided to give the album a chance, and I'm glad I did. No doubt most people will go onto the next big thing before long, but as for me, I'm now a true fan.

James blunt has had a very interesting life this far, a former soldier, his Army career saw him stationed in Kosovo as part of NATO's peacekeeping force, before he then spent time protecting the Queen on horseback and the Queen Mother, while she lay in state. While still writing songs, and holding onto his dream of one day actually making it into the music business and becoming a professional singer. He has been compared to the likes of Damian Rice, Beck and a young Elton John. I see how you could compare him with Damian Rice, but I just don't see it with the others to be honest. Of course being compared to a young Elton John is a big compliment, the thing is, I don't think he is anything like him.
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The debut album, Back To Bedlam has 10 fantastic songs. The album starts off with 'High', a great song, very relaxing to listen to. You could put it on after a hard day at work and just drift away. High is not a very up tempo song, but then in my opinion, none of the songs on the album are. Just simple guitar, piano and James Blunt's unmistakable vocal style, you could not dance to any of the tracks, but you can sure as hell sing to them, just try and stop me. Next up is the now famous 'You're beautiful', the song that made me notice him, but not the best song on the album. It's a nice song, but even though I'm a self confessed sucker for a ballad/love song, I do find the lyrics just a tad sickly - " You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true. I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do, 'Cause I'll never be with you."

Track number 3 on the album - 'Wisemen' is a very catchy song, something you can listen to without thinking much (although that is not a bad thing) and then find yourself singing it in the shower, the lyrics will get stuck in your head, "look who's alone now, it's not me it's not me..."

Now, for all you out there who have been involved in a relationship that was doomed, I dare you to listen to 'goodbye my lover' and not shed a tear or two. When I first got the album and listened to this song, I sat with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, before repeating it again and again and deciding that this was in fact one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. The lyrics are perfect, every single word, and I've never heard someone sing something with so much raw emotion. I wish i could put the full lyrics on here, but even then you would not get the same effect without hearing it being sung by James Blunt, " I am a dreamer but when I wake,
You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take. And as you move on, remember me, remember us and all we used to be".

'Tears And Rain' is another great song, sang beautifully by James, with only a simple acoustic guitar and piano in the background. It's another song that is very easy to listen too. 'Out Of My Mind' leads smoothly on from this, James starts off softly, then raises the tempo with his voice, like an instrument. 'So Long Jimmy', 'Billy' and the emotional 'No Bravery (sang from his own experience of war) also deserve a mention, and last but not least, another of my favourite tracks off the album - 'Cry'. Again, the lyrics are perfect.. " I have seen fear. I have seen faith. Seen the look of anger on your face. And if you want to talk about what will be, come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend. And if you want to talk about it anymore, lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend.", it's the song I have been singing for the past few days.
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Obviously this album will not be for everyone, if you have liked any of what you have heard so far, then give it a chance, and even if 'You're Beautiful' made you want to run toward the nearest window and throw yourself out, you might still like his other songs, like I said it's not my personal favourite off the album, there are far better songs on there, but if it's his voice you don't like then it's not for you - that's never going to change, you either love it or hate it.

I got the album for £8.99, but you can always find it cheaper on the Internet, I highly recommend it, beg steal or borrow, but don't miss out on this amazing new talent!


Thanks for reading.


 

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Comments about this review »

Ailran 16.01.2007 01:51

I really like this album, it grows on me the more I hear it :o)

motodoughnut 27.08.2005 21:12

Love this album

stumack 27.08.2005 14:48

Loved the first single - you going to se ehim on tour?

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