Undiscovered - But Not For Long
Written: Mar 20 '07 (Updated Mar 20 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Not a bad track on the CD
Cons: None at all
The Bottom Line: An irresistible stellar debut that simply should not be overlooked.
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| beesquare1's Full Review: Undiscovered by James Morrison |
Despite the fact that I’ve been hearing very positive buzz about James Morrison for some time now, I failed to take proper notice of this young UK based singer-songwriter until just recently. After it being brought to my attention that he’d soon be performing in my area, I picked up his CD out of curiosity to see if his live show might be worth catching – and to make a long story short, I’m now awaiting his concert with the type of anticipation usually reserved for far more seasoned and established musicians.
Simply put, I was hooked instantly -- from the uplifting, recorded-in-your-basement-with-good-friends funky feel of the opener, “Under The Influence”, to the final melancholy strains of “The Last Goodbye” – and everything in between, this is one of those debuts that pop music history will someday no doubt record as the first jewel in the crown of many (yet to come).
Of note, of course, is the first single from the CD, “You Give Me Something”, which Morrison himself has described as a “harsh love song”. While this self-description may be lyrically accurate (about a love that’s almost, but not quite reciprocated), melodically, this has to be one of the most joyous songs I’ve heard in ages, influenced very heavily by a strong Songs In the Key of Life era Stevie Wonder vibe – a mean feat in itself, considering that Morrison is young (22), white, and a Brit. (Along with Otis Redding, Al Green and others, Morrison does cite Stevie as a major influence). But he carries it off effortlessly. This boy’s got soul, and with a capital S.
Part of what adds to this soulful appeal is his throaty, gravel-voiced delivery (he attributes to his unique sound to chronic childhood whooping cough). This is best in evidence on track no. 8, “Call the Police”, and the lovely, understated delivery of “Better Man”.
Seems there is a surplus of prodigiously talented young musicians coming out of the UK these days – Corinne Baily Rae, Paolo Nutini, and Amy Winehouse, to name but a few. Indeed, Morrison has already been lauded recently by the British Music Industry with a Brit Award for Best Male Solo Artist. Heady recognition indeed, for a young man who was plying his trade only a year ago as a busker.
Only time will tell which of these artists will have staying power – at this moment, it’s really a toss up – but as he embarks upon his journey to win over the ears of music lovers in North America, I have strong feeling that after I attend James Morrison’s show here in a few weeks time, I’ll be joining the ranks of the select few who will be able to say, “I remember seeing him when……”
http://www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/jamesmorrisonmusic
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Listening
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Epinions.com ID:
beesquare1
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Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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