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There’s a touch of blues in “These Streets”, giving the song an edge that elevates slightly above the guitar led pop ballad it might otherwise have been. Sadly, the vocals have lost their soulful edge and there’s a little of the James Blunt whine returning here, which means this is a difficult ... Read review
19-year old Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini sounds older than his years on his ... more
debut album, These Streets. It's not just his careworn, smooth-as-sandpaper voice, either (although, admittedly, it does help). It's more to do with the maturity of ...
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19-year old Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini sounds older than his years on his ... more
debut album,These Streets. It's not just his careworn, smooth-as-sandpaper voice, either (although, admittedly, it does help). It's more to do with the maturity of t...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
19-year old Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini sounds older than his years on his ... more
debut album, These Streets. It's not just his careworn, smooth-as-sandpaper voice, either (although, admittedly, it does help). It's more to do with the maturity of ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 3 to 5 weeks...
19-year old Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini sounds older than his years on his ... more
debut album,These Streets. It's not just his careworn, smooth-as-sandpaper voice, either (although, admittedly, it does help). It's more to do with the maturity of t...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Some decent bouncy pop songs Disadvantages: Too much James Blunt style vocal work
...common.
All these years later and it appears that British male singer-songwriters are the sound of the year. James Blunt took on the Avril Lavigne role; a song the public loved and which sold millions, but which got really quite annoying very quickly. For Norah Jones we have James Morrison, the more laid back and soul influenced among them. In place of Michelle Branch, with the most low key approach of them, not one to attract too ... ...Scottish teenager Paolo Nutini.
The album opens on “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty”, which has a blues influenced and bass heavy pop rock sound. Although the vocals are quite light and have more of a pop sound, the music reminds me a little of the Kings of Leon and, as someone who likes the pop-rock sound, this is an encouraging start to an album.
Although “Last Request” does have a guitar introduction, it’s obvious very early ... more
Around five years ago, there was a sudden rush of female solo singer-songwriters coming from North America. They all varied in terms of their sound, their sales and their long term impact, with only their home continent and the fact their debut albums were released at roughly the same time in common.
All these years later and it appears that British male singer-songwriters are the sound of the year. James Blunt took on the Avril Lavigne role; a song the public loved and which sold millions, but which got really quite annoying very quickly. For Norah Jones we have James Morrison, the more laid back and soul influenced among them. In place of Michelle Branch, with the most low key approach of them, not one to attract too many headlines, but no less worthy of a release is Scottish teenager Paolo Nutini.
The album opens on “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty”, which has a blues influenced and bass heavy pop rock sound. Although the vocals are quite light and have more of a pop sound, the music reminds me a little of the Kings of Leon and, as someone who likes the pop-rock sound, this is an encouraging start to an album.
Although “Last Request” does have a guitar introduction, it’s obvious very early on that this will not be more of the same. This is a down tempo pop song with a soulful edge to both the guitar and the vocals. It’s not as smooth as James Morrison, but Nutini doesn’t have the annoying vocal quality of James Blunt and the combination of the two makes me think of Daniel Powter’s sound, making this a decent guitar led pop ballad.
This theme is continued for “Rewind”, although there’s also a hint of piano in the background. This time, there is a bit of a whine to Nutini’s vocal and he does sound a bit more like James Blunt, which isn’t really the best idea. This is another pop ballad, but weak in comparison to the previous track.
The intro to “Million Faces” doesn’t give much encouragement that things will improve, but then the vocals come in and it’s not nearly as bad. This time around, Nutini has gone for a far more laid back tempo and a more soulful vocal, making this sound like a James Morrison ballad. He doesn’t quite hit those heights as he doesn’t have the same amount of soul, but it’s a pretty good attempt, which is no bad thing.
There’s a touch of blues in “These Streets”, giving the song an edge that elevates slightly above the guitar led pop ballad it might otherwise have been. Sadly, the vocals have lost their soulful edge and there’s a little of the James Blunt whine returning here, which means this is a difficult song to listen to often, as it gets annoying a bit quicker than most on the album.
As if in compensation for this, the next track is my favourite on the album. It was hearing “New Shoes” on one of the music channels that persuaded me to buy the album in the first place and no matter how often I listen to it, it’s still an enjoyable song. It’s an up tempo pop song with a bouncy beat and a cheerful tune, making it the perfect song now the weather is getting better and summer is on the way.
Unfortunately, this isn’t to continue and “White Lies” takes the album back to the ballad tracks. Once more, this is an acoustic guitar led pop ballad, much like James Morrison’s sound, but without the soulful edge on the vocals. On the plus side, however, the James Blunt whine is also absent and the strings make this sound musically a little like Jeff Buckley, although the vocal performance is not even close to matching up to this.
The tempo is up a little for “Loving You”, although it’s not got the bounce of “New Shoes”. There’s a touch of soul to the vocals, making this sound like a mid-tempo James Morrison track although, much like his work, there’s an 80s soul feel that reminds me of Terence Trent D’Arby in some points.
There’s something different happening with “Autumn” in that it’s a piano led track, rather than using the acoustic guitar. Sadly, this combined with a slight whine to the vocals makes this sound like a James Blunt track and it’s another, along with “These Streets” that I can’t listen to often without getting a little annoyed by it.
There’s a wonderfully bouncy start to “Alloway Grove” that makes this one of the stand out tracks, along with “New Shoes” and “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty”. It’s another cheerful up tempo pop tune and one you can’t help but tap your foot along to. This is the case for the first four minutes or so, at least and then it becomes another song entirely, this one a ballad with a touch of James Blunt about it. Then after this, there are a few minutes of silence and then a stripped down reprise of “Last Request”, which seems fairly pointless as a hidden track. You’re getting three songs for the price of one here, but I would only have paid for the first one anyway.
Of the trio mentioned above, Paolo Nutini is very much the middle ground. He’s not nearly as annoying as James Blunt, despite the occasional bland moment. On the down side, he’s not as consistently good as James Morrison, despite some great pop tracks and an occasional soulful edge to his vocal delivery.
The album as a whole is a little bit of a disappointment and reminds me in some ways of K. T. Tunstall’s “Eye to the Telescope”. Both Nutini and Tunstall are at their best when they pick up the tempo and let themselves go. The tracks at either end of this album and “New Shoes” in the middle show what Nutini is capable of, but he can also descend into James Blunt style annoyance, as well as some decent enough songs in the middle. This inconsistency can get quite maddening at points and I would prefer to have heard some more up tempo songs.
Still, Nutini is still only a teenager and there is certainly hope for his next album, as it’s clear he knows how to put a decent song together. If you’re into either James Morrison or James Blunt or both, this is a good album to be having. Indeed, if you’re a fan of K. T. Tunstall, this is an album you should certainly be buying, as this is most similar to her sound, except with a male vocal.
If this is your kind of thing, it’s been out long enough that the prices are starting to come down. New copies are still £7.99 from CD Wow or £8.95 and £8.98 from Play and Amazon respectively. But for second hand copies, the Amazon Marketplace will take £5.32 and eBay has had copies available from 99 pence which isn’t bad money for what is a harmless enough pop album, with the occasional inspired moment. It’s not an essential purchase, but if you like your pop guitar led and laid back, this will be right up your street.
Advantages: Good relaxing music, Interesting storytelling lyrics, consistent standard Disadvantages: Sometimes get a bit repetitive, Only 10 tracks on album
...7/10 5. These Streets 9/10 6. New Shoes 10/10 7. White Lies 8/10 8. Loving You 9/10 9. Autumn 7/10 10. Alloway Grove 8/10 As you can clearly see, I haven't given any of these tracks lower than 7/10 which is pretty special because this is one of the only albums I have of which I actually enjoy all the songs on the CD rather than having a few favourites and just skipping the other (which lets be honest makes the album a bit of a waste of money) The ... ...sound the same, like some people seem to claim. My favourite track would probably be Rewind, this is because it has a really catchy tune and you will find yourself singing all day, the guitar is great in this too and really compliments Paolo's voice. The guitar is good throughout all of the songs and combines well with the tune of the vocals to create lots of feel good tracks! Jenny Don't Be Hasty is a brilliant track also with the strong and fun ...
treesaregreenandtall 18.03.2009 (22.03.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of These Streets - Paolo Nutini
Advantages: Sing-a-long, soulful melodies Disadvantages: A little negative in places
...his first album 'These Streets'. These Streets is a album with strong lyrics, the kind of lyrics you would expect from an 20 year-old lad from Paisley, Scotland.
'These Streets' has had 3 singles brought out in the singles chart. 'These Streets' is described by Nutini as "an autobiography of the last three years" and he talks of his move from Scotland to the centre of London in the 5th song on the album 'These Streets' from where the album title ... ...recognised single with a catchy tune and some deep lyrics which are possibly directed at his girlfriend Teri.
'Rewind' and 'Last Request' are two of his more downbeat songs, technically very sound, again with choruses that you will find yourself singing in the shower! This is perhaps the only negative point I could pursue, that his lyrics are quite downbeat in his songs.
I would definately recommend this album for anyone into easy-listening, indie, ...
jondav 01.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of These Streets - Paolo Nutini
Advantages: Something for every mood Disadvantages: none i can think of
...heart with people he loves in mind. He sings naturally and you can hear an accent there still. It is rare to find this kind of music these days with all the manufactured bands and singers who can't actually sing.
I would definitely recommend you give this album a try ...
clarebear21 28.05.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of These Streets - Paolo Nutini
Advantages: Feel good factor Disadvantages: its all over too quickly...
...offer in his debut album These Streets, from the jumping Jenny Don't be Hasty to the heartfelt Autumn.
This album takes you on a roller coaster of emotions from the break up with the love of his life, moving away from home to the memory of his influencial Grandfather. This album is dripping with Soul and full of touching truthful lyrics & haunting sounds that come from the reprisal at the end of Alloway Grove which is called Northern Skies.
This ...
Inaura 15.05.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of These Streets - Paolo Nutini
Advantages: Great songs, not the same as most music out at the moment Disadvantages: Not enough songs, only 10 songs
As a first album goes I think this one is a superb attempt. Paolo has a great voice and every now and then he lets his Scottish accent creep in to his singing, which is not a bad thing. It has both quick paced, upbeat songs and slow songs. I think that the song Last Request is the best on the album, and the live version that is at the end of the track Alloway Grove is exceptional. In my opinion there is not a bad song on the album although some aren't ...
brobson90 17.08.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of These Streets - Paolo Nutini
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
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Reviews which might be of interest for "These Streets - Paolo Nutini"
Advantages: Amazing new talent Disadvantages: none
You may have heard the single currently in the charts ' Last request.' This is the song that alerted me to PaoloNutini.
Once in a while you hear something truly wonderful, that really makes you stop and listen. PaoloNutini's debut album is that something, a rare album where you dont find yourself skipping tracks. Desperate to hear more from this amazing new talent, I really think that the he will prove himself to be something great.
PaoloNutini is an 18 year old singer/songwriter from Paisley, tipped as one of Scotland's hottest talents, the album TheseStreets is a gem.
Paolo has an Italian father, hense the name and the looks and a Glaswegian Mum, which explains the accent you can pick up in his songs. His influences are David Bowie, Damien Rice, Oasis, Beatles, U2, Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac, which should give you ...
Advantages: Brilliant Disadvantages: Not very many tracks
I bought this album from Woolworths for five pounds. It's brilliant, I've had it in my car ever since and can't stop playing it and singing along to it. Jenny Don't be Hasty is a brilliant way to open the album- it's so fresh and catchy and it sticks in your mind all day long! Last request is very slow and romantic, this is one of my favourite songs! Rewind is of a similar genre to Last request and also a very good song.
Here is the track list-
1. Jenny Don't Be Hasty
2. Last Request
3. Rewind
4. Million Faces
5. TheseStreets
6. New Shoes
7. White Lies
8. Loving You
9. Autumn
10. Alloway Grove
I would definetly recommend buying this- a must for your car! Brilliant driving music. Very catchy. Can't wait for his new album to come out! ...
Advantages: Good quality of tracks Disadvantages: only 10 songs
and rewind is one of my favourite songs. Again dealing with loss after a one night stand, however done with a fair bit of humour, I love the line 'I'm not sleeping at night, but I'm going from bar to bar'
4. Million Faces
Probably based on personal experiences this is a 'filler' song about the changes the singer has experienced since he became famous and moved away from home. Decent song but not a hit.
5. TheseStreets
Title song to the album and a more up beat and fast paced version of the song above. Comparing his new London life to what he was used to in a quiet Scottish village. This was another of my favourites and one I think could make it as a single.
6. New Shoes
A strange song about how one small change (in this case shoes, although could be a metaphor for love) suddenly changes all aspects of your life. I hated this song to ...
Product Information for "These Streets - Paolo Nutini" »
Product details
Title
These Streets
Performer
Paolo Nutini
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Singer/Songwriter
Release Date
17/07/2006
Recomended Retail Price
14.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2007
Label / Distributor
Atlantic / Cinram Logistics
Engineer
Mark Phythian; Darren Simpson; Ken
Producer
Ken Nelson; Matty Benbrook; Tom Elm
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
5051011501722
Catalogue Number
5101150172
Additional notes
Album Notes
On his full-length studio debut, THESE STREETS, young Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini offers up a confident set of pop-savvy tunes in the vein of James Blunt and John Mayer. Helmed by esteemed producer Ken Nelson (Badly Drawn Boy, Coldplay), the album deftly mixes mid-tempo rock songs (the scrappy "Jenny Don't Be Hasty") with emotive ballads (the yearning "Last Request"; the regretful "Rewind"), revealing Nutini's raspy-voiced, easy-going charm. A highly successful record in the U.K., THESE STREETS bodes well for Nutini's future work.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Jenny Don't Be Hasty
2.
Last Request
3.
Rewind
4.
Million Faces
5.
These Streets
6.
New Shoes
7.
White Lies
8.
Loving You
9.
Autumn
10.
Alloway Grove
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Listed on Ciao since
13/11/2006
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