' WE'RE ALL MaD HERE. I'M MAD. YoU'RE MAD'. 'HOW DO YOU KNOW I AM MAD ?' SAiD ALICE. 'YOU MUsT BE' S...
' WE'RE ALL MaD HERE. I'M MAD. YoU'RE MAD'. 'HOW DO YOU KNOW I AM MAD ?' SAiD ALICE. 'YOU MUsT BE' SAID THE cAT, 'OR YOU WOULdN'T HAVE COME HeRe.' (LEWIS CARROLL; 'ALICE IN WondERLaND'.)
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Whilst preparing for a 300 mile drive, I gathered together a compilation of CD's to listen to. Amongst them was 'James Blunt - Back to Bedlam'. I originally bought the CD, after I had initially been charmed by the track 'You're Beautiful'. I had listened to the album many times previously; and then became utterly sick of it. The CD sat unused and ignored for a while; the reasons why I had developed such a dislike for it had faded - which is why it was inserted into the CD player this trip and listened to from beginning to end, thus, re-igniting my passionate dislike toward it!
James Blunt has a history of being in the army and protecting the queen. He's a talented fellow; playing the guitar and piano. He also writes his own lyrics for his music. The music style of the album is of the easy listening; melodic; pop ballad genre. Using largely acoustic guitar, piano and organ to create this effect. James Blunt has quite a high pitched squeaky/shaky voice - it is quite pleasant and suited to the style of music (although it does get on your nerves after a while). It is the type of album you would have as background music, or indeed, to drive with. There are 10 tracks and the whole album lasts approximately 40 minutes (which is; more than long enough).
Lyrically, the album is weak. The songs are badly written, not one of the tracks make complete sense. Although on the whole you get the gist, completely inappropriate nonsensical words and sentences are thrown in randomly. On one occasion he uses the word 'concubine' - who in the 21st century uses that word in everyday conversation? If the remaining lyrics were clever, extravagant or colourful,
it would be excusable. However, they are not. Blunt's use of words is dull and un-inspired. Therefore; when he throws in the complimentary 'big' words and sometimes even the odd 'swear word' - they seem painfully misplaced and the songs feel disjointed and confusing.
'Wise men' Is the worst track on the album (in lyrical terms). Blunt sings about 'wise men having semis by the sea' - I don't know why! He declares 'look who's alone now, it's not me, it's not me.' - Who cares? Why are we supposed to care? I just don't understand the message. Unless it is a deeply personal song, or I am completely missing the point; this track makes no sense. It is a shame the lyrics don't cut the biscuit on this track, because; the music is quite upbeat and catchy, with a bit of drum in there - as opposed to the majority of the tracks, which are mostly, decidedly gloomy. 'Wise Men' is possibly one of my favourites in the musical respect. If only the lyrics could have met the standards of the music. Alas, they don't.
The track 'Goodbye my lover' (pronounced by James blunt as goodbye my larve-er) is probably his best. Lyrically it's tolerable, with minimal, inane misuse of words. The lyrics are emotive and the music is excellent - very intense, captivating and powerful; with both combined it is brilliant, it shows what James Blunt could be capable of. The song really tugs at those heart strings. It is the saddest song I've heard - it makes me want to weep.
The whole album makes me want to weep actually, it is thoroughly depressing - all about sorrow, sadness, pain and loneliness. There is no look at the bright side of life; no light at the end of the tunnel. It is pure misery. James Blunt must have a tortured soul to write these songs. Lyrics such as 'sorrow is his soul mate' are frequently heard throughout the album. With the lyrics combined with the dejected ballads ... this album has the potential to leave you in a collapsed, weeping, melancholic mess.
'You're beautiful' is the infamous track: the one that has been over played and over used for months now. At first I really liked this track. Musically, it is a beautiful ballad and has a lovely unique powerful chorus. When I had listened to it for the millionth time; and had overcome the distraction of the pretty chorus - it became painful and un bearable to listen to. The lyrics, again, are really rather sad. I heard on the radio that thousands had used this song when getting married. I don't understand why, it's about a chap seeing a girl in the subway - who is beautiful, but the girl is with someone else. The chap will never see her again and will never be with her! ... There is no happy ending, the guy doesn't get the girl! It's actually a really sad song (in keeping with the theme of the album).
James Blunt was previously in the army. Hence, there is a related track called 'No Bravery'; thrown into the album. It's slightly darker musically, compared to the other tracks and a little haunting. The lyrics are kept simple making this one of the better and more powerful tracks (albeit depressing, yet again).
There isn't much variation to the tracks, each track seems to amalgamate itself into the next: musically and lyrically. The first time you listen to the album, is when you will hear the album at it's optimum. It is all downwards from then on. You start to hear the misplaced words, the sentences that don't make sense, the inappropriate words and the sheer sadness it inflicts. Then his voice will start to annoy you. Every time, you listen to it again; these annoyances get more and more grating on your nerves. The music and lyrics turn into an epic woe is me, excruciatingly painful, depressing album.
There is no class to this album; compared to other artists/music of a similar genre (such as Damien Rice and Jeff Buckley). It feels messy and amateurish. I believe James Blunt nailed it with 'you are beautiful' it grabbed everyone in an inexplicable way, leaving people wanting more and wanting him to be good. I don't believe he delivered. However, I am of a minority, with this opinion. James Blunt's popularity is huge (he even won a 'brit award' over Robbie Williams).
The music is definitely the strength to this album, every track holds something special musically, with the soft pleasant ballads. Despite the music being down beat and dejected; it's beauty is un-questionable. James Blunts voice, although it does annoy you after a while, is unique, with the right lyrics and music (as heard in 'Goodbye my Lover) he has the ability to leave you with Goosebumps and a little tearful.
Despite my negativity … reluctantly, I will admit; I do feel bizarrely drawn to the music, somehow. When a track is played on the radio - I turn up the volume. The magnetism to James Blunt is inexplicable (for myself) but un deniable - I just don't understand how pleasure can be taken from such sadness. I look for uplifting cheerful music to acquire pleasure from. ... but, it does hold a certain charm.
Every part of me wants to (and does) hate this album, the lyrics are poorly written and uber depressing. The music is depressing. James Blunt's voice gets highly irritating. I don't recommend it and I do dislike the album immensely, but … James Blunt is a nice chap (from what I have seen), he's funny and charismatic with an interesting background. The album does hold something, it's not for me, but not to be discounted by everyone, listen and decide for yourself!
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James Blunt - Back to Bedlam; can be purchased from HMV, Virgin and the larger supermarkets. It is approximately £9. Although you can buy it cheaper if you buy online, from websites such as Amazon.
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Great review huni love James Blunt he's so good xx
clairemazza 17.02.2007 17:52
Great review, really informative.
Seresecros 13.02.2007 13:16
Obviously we're going to have to start a campaign to get people using the word concubine again. What a fantastic word... concubine. Concubine, concubine, concubine. Concubine.
As a piece of propaganda, James Blunts albumBack to Bedlamdoes more for changing the face ... more
of the British Army than a series of television adverts ever could. Swapping a rifle for a guitar, the former cavalrymans ballad-heavy debut is a clearly aiming t...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As a piece of propaganda, James Blunts albumBack to Bedlamdoes more for changing the face ... more
of the British Army than a series of television adverts ever could. Swapping a rifle for a guitar, the former cavalrymans ballad-heavy debut is a clearly aiming t...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As a piece of propaganda, James Blunts album Back to Bedlam does more for changing the ... more
face of the British Army than a series of television adverts ever could. Swapping a rifle for a guitar, the former cavalrymans ballad-heavy debut is a clearly aiming...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: A fine album with great lyrical content. Disadvantages: All ballads.
Morning_Becomes_Electra 29.04.2008 (29.04.2008)
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Review of Back To Bedlam - James Blunt
Advantages: A solid debut with some excellent tracks, There is certainly talent here Disadvantages: A Couple of weak tracks, You're Beautiful was played to death on the radio
Feb 27th, 2006
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