Two years ago, the hearts of millions of American girls turned their attention to the British music scene. What captivated them was British pop singer James Blunt's2005 single, "You're Beautiful." It made him the first British artist to reach No. 1 status in the United States since Elton John.
With five Grammy nominations, two Brit Awards and two MTV awards under his belt, Blunt is again geared toward success with the release of his latest album, All the Lost Souls.
Produced by Tom Rothrockunder Atlantic and Custard Records, Lost Souls carries the same charm and charisma as Blunt's 2005 album Back to Bedlam. This time around, he can only hope for the same reaction from critics, fans and Grammy judges.
Unlike most artists, Blunt plays his complete album on his Web site. Hesitant listeners and prospective purchasers have an opportunity to browse the album for a preview. A stumble across the page, however, will leave listeners falling in love with Blunt's talent.
One listen to Lost Souls makes it hard to believe Blunt once served in Kosovo. The former military man shows he has wrapped up his days in the British Army and has traded in combat for crooning with this ballad-heavy album.
Blunt has created a strikingly personal collection of revealing lyrics. He proves that therapeutic songwriting coupled with powerful vocal chords is the best medicine for a bruised heart. The outcome? We get an emotionally moving album, and he gets a cathartic release.
"1973," the album's first single, spotlights a delicately composed piano introduction -- an uncommon sound in a guitar-loving world. The piano gears "1973" into ballad-mode, preparing us for a song about the cycle of love and its tendency to bring us back to where we started. Blunt croons, "We sang / Here we go again." Already a No. 1 hit single in Venezuela, "1973" hopes to climb the American charts.
Interestingly enough, Blunt never seems to learn his lesson in love. Song after song, he reflects on its troubles. "Carry You Home" has Blunt singing "I'm watching you breathing for the last time / A song for your heart, but when it is quiet / I know what it means and I'll carry you home ... Trouble is the only way is down."
"One of the Brightest Stars" will help Blunt keep the hearts of his American female followers. If not that, it'll at least teach male listeners what their girlfriends want to hear; it's just one of those songs a guy would write for a girl to tell her how he feels. Blunt sings, "everybody loves you / cause you've taken a chance ... we always knew that you were one of the brightest stars."
The classic James Blunt sound is unmistakably strong throughout Lost Souls. "I Really Want You" showcases his flexible vocal range and versatile expression. His lyrics are therapeutic, his voice is passionate and his brunette hair is a charming bonus detail. Blunt's only fault in Lost Souls is that our listening experience comes to an end too quickly after a short 10 tracks, which keep us on our toes and asking for more.
Without a doubt, the release of this album will help Blun-t win over the heart of more female -- and male -- fans. And for the old fans, this album feels like a continuation of Back to Bedlam and will keep them tuned in for albums to come.
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