Blunt as ever
REMEMBER when James Blunt was famous for that weepy song You’re
Beautiful from his debut album Back To Bedlam?
Well, it has been more than a decade since the release of Blunt’s hit song about an encounter with an ex-girlfriend on the train that left him reeling over what could have been.
Blunt couldn’t quite replicate the success of Back To Bedlam which sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. Over the years, he has released some forgettable follow-ups.
But don’t feel sorry for Blunt as he somewhat reinvented himself as a much-talked about personality on Twitter thanks to his witty comebacks and self-deprecating humour. On Dec 13, he even tweeted: “If you thought 2016 was bad – I’m releasing an album in 2017.” He was not kidding.
The After love is Blunt’s fifth studio album, the first since Moon Landing (2013). Opening track Love
Me Better, is a guitar-driven slow pop number. Here the singer pokes fun at the very thing that made him famous: “Saw you standing at the bar/Would have said, ‘You’re beautiful’/But I’ve used that line before”.
With this album, Blunt is also looking to experiment with new sounds and style. Don’t Give Me
Eyes is a piano ballad about a forbidden romance that could make John Legend blush. It’s a jarring number that would probably appeal to those who like an autotuned-sounding Blunt.
California stands out as one of the better tracks. But if you’re looking for another weepy number, then give the sublime yet heartbreaking Courtney’s Song a listen. With lyrics like “I’m here to let you know/I’m here to let you go” .... this song could be called You’re Beautiful: The Revenge.
Fans of Blunt, like all five of you, take note because this album is for you.