James Morrison - Songs For You, Truths For Me (Album)
» James Morrison Announces Australian Dates - March 7, 2007
There was a lot of hype surrounding this album. UK singer James Morrisons' debut Undiscovered was huge. He was the biggest selling male artist in the UK in 2006.
It's always hard to do the follow up album when your debut goes through the roof and everyone wants to know you. There's a lot expected of you, a lot of pressure on you to do well from record companies and fans.
Mr Morrison hasn't done too bad.
Songs For You, Truths For Me may not break any new ground, but it's a very laid back, easy to listen to album.
I like it, but its nothing special. It's a little on the bland side.
He seems to have played it very safe, and produced something along the lines of what he thinks everyone would expect.
The opening track The Only Night sets the mood for the album, and lets you know what you are in for. Big sound, raspy vocals and a song about love.
James' husky vocals are great, just a little bit raw and real. His sound is very unique.
I could have done without Broken Strings, his duet with Nelly Furtado. It comes across as a little contrived and their voices just don't seem to fit together very well.
The stand out track for me was Please Don't Stop The Rain. James seems to let himself go a little more on this. His vocal style is very well suited to the song. It's moody and beautiful.
The album is basically a collection of songs about love. As nice as that may be, there's only so much I can hear on that subject before it gets a little jaded. I'm hoping that by the next album, he's found a few other things to write about as well.
Got to admit the man is a pretty hard working musician. He has been constantly touring and promoting himself and his music since he released the last album, breaking only to write and record the new album.
November sees him on a pretty hectic UK tour. While this album may not show much growth as an artist, its nice and mellow, easy to listen to. I think he needs to do more writing by himself and less collaborations, so it is more honest and less manufactured. Hopefully he will regain a little more creative control on his next venture and be allowed to explore his musical style more. This man has a lot to offer.
