Back to Bedlam - James Blunt

There have been quite a few people who criticize James Blunt's voice. I say to them "Open your minds a teeny tiny bit". All voices are not created equal. But at the same time, each has its own charm.

Whether it is the smooth crooning of Frank Sinatra or the husky renditions by Mark Knopfler, they have their own individuality and character. What's the fun in listening to cookie cutter voices ?

James Blunt is one such artist. He is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom. Before his musical career he was a soldier with the British Army. He was station in Bosnia for a while.

This is his debut album. And surely he has won this battle. The War? We will have to wait and see.

Most of you must be familiar with the track "You're Beautiful". It has been playing on radio stations for a while now. That illustrates the main characterstic of James Blunt's music. It is the passion, hurt and love which shines through in his singing.

My favorite song from the CD is "Goodbye My Lover". It is very much like spoken word poetry. Very little music. Just a few piano notes finishing the silhoutte of Blunt's powerful expression of heartache.

My other favorites include "No Bravery" and "Tears and Rain". All in all a delightful collection of songs.

My rating: 4/5

Just so that you know, he is performing at the Warfield in San Francisco in April. I hope to be there.