James Blunt seems to have tried with this album, to change his style and his image. He has (or should we say one probably better. His manager?) Had apparently mainly the mainstream, the current Pop, the teenager in the eye, but without wanting too much scare his old fans.
This idea was a marketing perspective certainly clever and quite successful; if she was also artistically well, everyone must decide for themselves. I - as a large fan of early ballads like "You're beautiful" a trace is the intention behind this album but recognizable too commercial and calculating what the authenticity of James Blunt has suffered somewhat; although I still like the album eventually.
For someone, however, who is regarded as a great admirer of "Nirvana", and discovered his enthusiasm for music with playing Kurt- Cobain- songs, and songs of the "Pixies" covert, which acts here everything is no longer so very authentic.
That's just what I see in too many songs too much kitsch, superficiality and rinse cycle; they are to be seen applied to mass appeal.
This begins with Song 1:
"Stay the Night" was the Lead Single, pretty fast indeed for Blunt conditions, but not least the apparent effort to make here "with proven pop- means" a mass-compatible pop song for radio, make this song in my ears one of the weakest on the album here.
"Dangerous" is also a flotterer song, the "aggressive" manner is also aligned to the mainstream as a target group in almost. Still like better than its predecessor.
The romantic ballad "Best Laid Plains" it is about Danna finally really well: James Blunt, as you are used to it, seen here at its best. Everything is great here. For me, the best song here.
"So Far Gone", also romantic ballad, begins well, is in the end but a bit boring. Not bad; Unfortunately, far too soft flushed. Even this choice to a single was not good; at least not if you wanted to be regarded as essential factor in choosing the single "best song" of the album.
The piano ballad "No Tears", with Country- elements is better, and even real earworm qualities, with "co-singing effect" in the chorus. Sounds a little "worn". Nevertheless, better song here.
"Superstar" has once more upbeat pop rhythms. Sounds a bit like the early "Prince" or "Bee Gees". Not bad; even if it is not particularly knocks me.
"These are the words" is strongly reminiscent of the predecessor. Again, these kind of songs that you like at night when driving on the empty highway hears.
"Calling Out Your Name" is a more classic ballad; not bad; but not particularly original.
"Heart of Gold" is a ballad, but not so completely tearing me away.
"I'll be your man": This song really rocks! Really fun. Sounds a bit like Sheryl Crow, when the Lady once gets going really. One of the best songs here.
"If Time is all I have": very nice, cozy Country- ballad. Third and final of the single extractions of this album; In contrast to the previous a successful choice.
"Turn me on" is the big surprise of the album. Something completely new James Blunt; when he gets going here in indie rocker style, he is somewhat reminiscent of older artists such as Iggy Pop, but probably. also to newer like Lady Gaga? Does not fit with the other songs on the album. But demonstrates the great versatility and versatility of James Blunt. And he has proved that is to be reckoned with in this field; although I do not necessarily so incredibly persuasive find the song; bad he is, after all, also not. But at the latest with this last song proves Blunt, that this album is not to be regarded as "pure imitation" of his previous albums!
CONCLUSION: Good (pop) music, in spite of my opinion, too much accent on a mainstream audience and of great concern to the radio capability; ie commercial concerns.
Captain James Blunt has his lesson after all other current pop artists well learned on the many sound structures seem to be created here; this is also not too much self-denial.
After all, this is a clever way to keep talking. And this concern should be a pop artist like James Blunt grant. Because as such I see him at least with this album.
I like the album yet, because I like basically Blunt's style, and feel (especially with his earlier stuff) addressed by his music myself. Particularly outstanding pieces of this album, I would like above all to "Best Laid Plains", "If time is all I have", and "I'll be your one" point.
