My first thoughts after listening to “Back to Bedlam”, James Blunt’s debut CD, were- who is this guy?

He is apparently the only artist to outsell Coldplay in the UK, but the mystery behind his personna remains. I listened in wonder and asked myself, “who’s hiding behind the mask?”

His songs are emotional, telling, lyrical. Good songs evoke these feelings and more and seldom can do this in secret. On the other hand, Blunt is no stranger in Britain, where he recieved his big break in music

Perhaps one of the most popular singles on the album, “You’re Beautiful” is a prime example. If you’ve ever fallen in love with a strange, only to lose them forever, you’re hooked on the song for the next few days.

Blunt also fought in Kosovo as an army captain in the late 90’s. The record is a culmination of these experiences, especially the song “No Bravery,” which he composed during his time there.

It is this mixture that easily makes one feel as if they are dwindeling in two worlds, because Blunt has succeeded in writing songs that are relatable to everyone while maintaining an air of originality. In this sense, he does not seem so distant as an artist to me anymore.

3*

Songtrack
1. High
2. You’re beautiful
3. Wisemen
4. Goodbye my lover
5. Tears and rain
6. Out of my mind
7. So long Jimmy
8. Billy
9. Cry
10. No bravery






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