Review Summary: Eclecticism at it's best, done with genuine purpose and respect.
Jamie Cullum is one of current jazz's most interesting new artists. Through his music he simultaneously pays tribute to and reinvents everything about jazz, by infusing it with current rock, pop, dance beats and sometimes even hip-hop style delivery.
All his records have an eclecticism that is unparalleled in the current music scene. They are charming in that those more eclectic song choices never seem for a second seem uninspired or gimmicky. Though his inspirations are vast, he always brings it back to his most basic musical ideals, classic jazz. On every song you'll hear his now-trademark piano improvisations and vocal scatting and the arrangements he chooses for his more out-there covers reinvent the original intention towards a more jazzy approach.
You never know what you're going to hear on a Cullum record. On this album he covers Rihanna, Sweeny Todd, and Cole Porter all in the span of five songs. The songs that he actually writes are grounded more in pop, though it's done very cleverly . They are smart, with interesting lyrics and sounds. "Wheels" is smooth and sharp, with a pulsing piano-and-bass beat that washes over its exciting chorus. "Mixtape" cites his many influences in the form of an adorable love song, name-checking Nine Inch Nails, Louis Armstrong simultaneously.
And when he does covers (and he does a lot, they make up 2/3 of the record), he doesn't mess around. You've probably heard his incredible version of Rihanna's "Don't Stop The Music". Classic piece "If I Ruled The World" is completely spell-binding, all the way up to it's jaw-dropping but subtle climax. And the Sweeny Todd cover "Not While I'm Around" sounds genuine and inspired, and it fits Jamie's whole image perfectly.
Cullum haves himself some fun on the album as well. Poppy dancers "I Love This" and "You And Me Are Gone" are cool and grin-inspiring (if only because of how much fun Jamie's having), and an interesting change of pace in the track listing.
Near the end of the record is the epic, 7 minute, new age piece that is "Music Is Through", which is as much a "love it or hate it" song then Jamie has ever written.
And, as a last minute inclusion, "Gran Torino", the song that helped promote Cullum into relative American poluarity (he's British in case you didn't know) reminds you that the man can still absolutely destroy a simple ballad.
In the end, it's an enjoyable return for Cullum, and one that'll having you replaying again and again and hearing new things everytime. I recommend it to jazz, pop, and rock fans.
Remember if you have any questions, comments, or feedback, email me at robbiecopple@gmail.com, or message me on AIM at Stand2theStill. Thanks!
