Back to Bedlam [PA] by James Blunt (CD, Oct-2005, Atlantic)

This stunning debut by James Blunt--a British soldier turned musician--will take your breath away; literally! Every single track on this beautiful release is lyrically multidimensional with incredible depth and addictive melodies. It's definitely the best release by a new artist this year hands down.

I normally don't buy CDs , and would rather just download, but this was one I made an exception for. In today's day and age of quickly cranked out music by "artists" who don't even write their own music, it's nice to come across someone whose heart,soul, and life experiences, brings a visually vivid picture of the individual to his listeners.
Don't be suprised if you start hearing James Blunt popping up on television shows and radio everywhere. His music is accessible, enjoyable, and highly listenable, and if he can continue writing songs like High, Wiseman, So Long Jimmy, Goodbye My Lover, and No Bravery(which is heavily influenced by his experience in Kosovo), he will have a long career. Often #1 albums in Britain don't have the same appeal in the US, but if any album can crossover, this one can.

Ok, first off, this is a good pop album. It is a very good pop album. Is it stand the test of time, fantastic, one of a kind, change the world sort of pop album? No. And anyone who says otherwise is wrong.

James Blunt has a very nice voice, with a very nice and natural sounding falsetto. Vocally, it is very nice work. It is not overly challenging to listen to, but is unique in the sense that there is a certain earnest tone to his voice that is fairly rare in mainstream music these days. For the better part of this album, it actually sounds like this guy MEANS IT. Like I said, that's pretty rare.

Musically, there is nothing new here. He can hammer out four chords on a piano and he can play guitar with a capo so long as its pretty simple strumming. A fastastic musician he is not. However, the lyrics in this almbum, again, strikingly earnest for a mainstream offering are mostly what sets this apart. Couple that with the sound of this young mans voice, a fairly stripped down production on the album, and a hit single, you've got a sold pop offering.

A decent, if atypical singer? Thankfully yes. A decent songwriter? I'd say so. A good musician? Let's not kid ourselves. A great album? No. It is very good though. In the end I would recommend it for all the reasons stated, and I would recommended taking it for what it is worth, for all the reasons stated.

If you want catchy, hooky, alterna-pop balladry that is more believable than 90% of whats out there, this kid's for you.

Cheers.

I bought this CD because of the song "Goodbye Lover". I still haven't figured out if the 'lover' died or just broke up with him. Brings tears to my eyes just to hear it. I know this sounds morbid but I plan to have this played at my funeral.
There are a couple songs that I really like a lot on this that I'd never heard before. In fact I like them better than the "High" song and "You are Beautiful" song. The two are "Tears and Rain" and "So Long Jimmy".
This is an album that I can play over and over, doing housework, or gardening or floating in the pool.
Give this a try if you like heartfelt, soulful, and easly listening music.

I absolutely am in LOVE with this CD. I don't actually own it, but I have listened to it online and from what I've heard it's excellent. James Blunt shows his talent with songs like "Cry", "Tears and Rain", and "You're Beautiful." Great songs + great artist= great CD. **2 thumbs up** :)

At first glance one is afraid to purchase this album because of how much play has been placed on "You're Beautiful," but after hearing "Goodbye My Lover," and still enjoying his sound I bought the album. Buying the album was one of my best purchases this year. The songs are genuine, unique and amazing. Each song has its own flow, and none of them blend together like some artists tend to do. If you love music, then you are guaranteed to enjoy at least one song on this album. Of course, many have problems with the high pitch whiney sound of his voice, but those people have only heard his single "You're Beautiful." The other songs are vibrant, upbeat and ready for the masses. I love every single song on the album, and would recommend the album to anyone. It is a trully amazing and intelligent album.