This issue’s music review has taken a turn from the typical rock band that hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves to a more commonly heard, mellow artist who hails from the United Kingdom. I’m reviewing James Blunt’s 2005 release, Back to Bedlam. After serving as a peacekeeper in Kosovo during their bloody civil war, the singer-songwriter had signed to a record label within a few months. Songwriting provided an escape in what was one of the most violent civil wars in recent memory. This album is definitely a tear-jerker, so if you cry easily, this album may not be for you. Blunt plays both piano and guitar, and the soft instrumental background forms a perfect pair with his high, warbling voice. Back to Bedlam also just received RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) gold certification, which means his album has sold over 500,000 copies here in the States.
The first song, “High”, sounds very similar to the immensely popular single, “You’re Beautiful”, and is just as well-done. Blunt’s lyrics are great here, one of my favorite lines is “will you be my shoulder, when I’m gray and older?” This song is one of the most uplifting on the album. “You’re Beautiful”, the single that everyone seems to love, is a great song, but not nearly as good as many of the songs on this CD. This song is about a man who loves a woman, but cannot be with her (“but it’s time to face the truth, I will never be with you”).
“Wisemen” is a unique song. It is rather difficult to determine what this song is about, but is worth listening to anyway, it has a good beat. “Goodbye My Lover” is the first melancholy song on the album; it’s the ultimate break-up song, and the lyrics are beautifully written. This song is one of the best on the album. “Tears and Rain” is another depressing song, but the main reason to listen to this song is the instrumentation. James Blunt plays both guitar and piano, which come together to form a relaxing, amazing sound.
“Out of My Mind” is a weird song, but worth a shot; you may like it, but there are better songs. “So Long, Jimmy”, has a very upbeat feel, along with an organ and a faint electric guitar in the background. James Blunt seems to be singing a bit more angrily in this song, which is a nice break from his typical singing voice. “Billy” has an upbeat and jazzy feel, but don’t get too used to the change of pace, the next song is called “Cry”.
This song is incredible, James Blunt is one of the best lyricists I have heard in a while. The lyrics in this song are powerful and moving; “Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder, I’m a friend…I lived to see a lover’s final breath”. If those lyrics don’t impress you, I honestly don’t know what will.
“No Bravery” is a song about war and, I assume, his experiences in Kosovo. Blunt sings with emotion and passion, like any other song, but you can tell that he is truly singing from the heart in the song. The general rule for this album seems to be that Blunt on guitar means the song is not as depressing, and Blunt on piano is a hint to bring out the Kleenex.
Edit--Fixed the spacing
