Back to Bedlam [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

Then again I've heard those at the other end of the scale - 'Better than Dylan' etc etc, which is a fallacy equal to the former. This album is somewhat unoriginal,somewhat soporific in some ways, and it obviously panders to the radio audience but in NO WAY is it the worst album ever. Furthermore, the album is at times incredibly touching, fitting almost every situation, and GENUINELY heart-felt. But equally, it's incredible that some think this is the best album of the decade. This guy's voice is a clearly a very divisive debate. So one can only assume its a matter of opinion, something which nearly everything boils down to.

I personally like it. As people have mentioned, the overplay You're Beautiful has been awful for James Blunt. It has reduced You're Beautiful from a soaring ballad to pretty formulaic. Furthermore, it has attracted the critics, who swarm like vultures. It is also representative of Blunt's amazing talent. The first half is very strong, showing us ballads which are tuneful, and demonstrate (for those of us who like it), the good range of his voice, while the second half slows the pace down to nearly unacceptable levels. Although 'Out of my Mind' and 'No Bravery' pretty much come at polar oposites in quality, they both deisplay key features in James Blunt's repertoire, repetitive hooks and true, genuine heart. You can't justify this album to everyone, but it is not a bad album if you like this sort of a music,

I think those people who like 'sophisticated' music, who like 'deep' music, who seem to want to die every time they hear this 'pap' need firstly to rethink their attitude. Yes music is an artform, not your version of an artform. Secondly, they need to accept that they don't rule the world.

That's my two cents

The songs are very strong. The production is simple, but effective, and James' voice is a remarkable instrument. The album has not been hyped. It's been around for just under a year, and developed organically. The songs change from up-tempo to slow and dark. Some have a band-like feel, others stripped down and raw. It feels like an intimate album that reflects it's independent record label roots, but confident enough to be relevant to a broad spectrum of people.

If you are shallow enough not to like posh people, or inadequate enough to despise anything that is popular in order to show off your independent thinking, don't get this album. If you appreciate good music, I recommend you give Back to Bedlam a go.

I bought the album as soon as it was available, and it's by far the best album I've bought in a couple of years. There's not a weak track on it(OK, perhaps "Billy" isn't quite as strong as the rest), but with "High", "You're Beautiful", "Cry", and "No Bravery", James has marked himself down as a serious talent with the world at his feet. "Goodbye My Lover" still gives me shivers every time I hear it, and has made me overcome my dislike of songs which use the word "Baby".

If this man isn't as big a name as Damien Rice before the year is out, I'll eat my hat. This man is going to be HUGE.