Undiscovered

James Morrison | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 13, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B000MGUZ9I
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (89 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,654 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #35 in Music > Folk > Contemporary Folk > Singer-Songwriters
  • #89 in Music > Pop > Adult Alternative

Editorial Reviews

From Amazon.co.uk

Young James Morrison has "success story" written all over him. Drawing influence from soul greats like Cat Stevens, Otis Redding, and Van Morrison, debut album Undiscovered reveals this Rugby-born vocalist has the sort of world-weary voice and songwriting chops to take the Later...With Jools Holland path to mainstream success that's formerly made stars of Damien Rice, James Blunt, and former tour-mate Corinne Bailey Rae. In keeping with his soul influences, much of Undiscovered has a full, warm multi-instrumental sound neatly rendered by Martin Terefe, producer for the likes of KT Tunstall and Ron Sexsmith. "Under the Influence", a passionate upfront love song, is borne along on florid piano and Beatles-esque string arrangements, while the tear-stained "Wonderful World" matches its emotional message ("I know that it's a wonderful world/But I can't feel it right now") with optimistic brass and cascading percussion. Album stand-outs come with "You Give Me Something" and the closing "Better Man", a solo acoustic number that really showcases the range of Morrison's voice. Purists may still baulk at the prospect of a white lad from the North of England singing soul, but the sure success of Undiscovered ought to prove that a strong voice will always be the bottom line. --Louis Pattison

Product Description

International pressing. 'Undiscovered' is the debut album from singer-songwriter sensation, James Morrison. Taking a bluesier, more soulful route than some of his contemporaries, Morrison has drawn on elements of his troubled upbringing to produce an album that has real depth emotionally and musically. Includes the single 'You Give Me Something'. Universal. 2006.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UNDISCOVERED...BUT NOT FOR LONG, March 13, 2007

By 

Alan Dorfman - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Undiscovered (Audio CD)

Imagine a John Mayer that's more urban than urbane or a James Blunt after a testosterone infusion and you've got James Morrison. With a voice that's a cross between Stevie Wonder and Rod Stewart, the precise phrasing of John Waite and the vocal fearlessness of Jason Mraz, James Morrison is an earnest, empsassioned white soul boy from the UK washing up stateside for the first time with the release of his new CD "Undiscovered."

But this is no castaway effort, no flotsam and jetsam of Britpop trying to cash in on his good looks and video friendliness. James Morrison is an impressive singer/songwriter able to handle a wide range of arrangements and sings with a straightforward honesty that imbues his songs with real emotion whether it's the head-over-heels of the opener "Under The Influence" ("Whatever I do I am under the influence of you"), the insecurity of "You Give Me Something" (You give me something that makes me scared all right"), the gospel feel of the title tune "Undiscovered" ("I'm not lost, just undiscovered") or the rocking declaration of individuality "Call The Police" ("'I can't do nothin' if I can't do somethin' my way"). And those aren't even the best songs in my opinion.

That honor would go to the break-up ballad "The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore" and the brilliantly arranged "Wonderful World" in which Morrison sings how he knows it's a wonderful world but only when his loved one is there.

With the simultaneous American release of "Undiscovered" and Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" this is a huge week for British Soul with Joss Stone's new one waiting in the wings. Welcome back to music where passion trumps lust.

One small quibble. the original British release has two extra songs - not better than the 11 included here but more of a good thing is always welcome.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real thing. One of 2007's best yet .....let's give the guy a break, March 17, 2007

By 

guillermoj (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Undiscovered (Audio CD)

as some people are already calling him Stevie Wonder "light" as his sound is not straight up soul and then you have others wanting to build him up into something that no artist can ever meet or maintain.

In a nutshell, I was hugely impressed by the CD from beggining to end. It has a folky/poppy/soulfulness that to me is a HUGE step up from the procesed pop that has dominated the charts in recent years. While not taking anything away from him or his contemporaries, you'll probably really like Morrison if you like acts such as James Blunt, Paolo Nutini (who I really like esp. for being so young), Damien Rice, Ray LaMontagne, David Gray, and The Fray, just to name more than a few.

If you are among those who dismiss the above as no more than background noise for a show like "Grey's Anatomy," this CD will not change your mind. If on the other hand, if you don't expect the second coming Stevie Wonder/Bod Dylan and are drawn to direct songs that are small in scope yet huge on emotion (without having perfect pitch tenors) this is one release that you won't regret buying. Out of all the acts that I mentioned, I am really curious how Morrison will evolve as there is a soulfulness that makes him stand out.

Without a doubt one of my best purchases so far this year and I am not so easy to please. Thanks for all for your kind words and continued guidance in helping me find music that stands out in a sea of way too much product. Also, this one is currently priced to sell. I mention this because I think/hope that record companies realize that if they have a good product at a good price, it will sell. Let's not blame illegal downloads, legal downloads of "singles", alternate methods of entertainment, or Mother Nature for the fall in "music" sales. There is a huge market out there for music and if done honestly money can be made and not make the public feel bad for not buying some of the junk that is out there.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut of Soulful singer songwriter, March 22, 2007

By 

Mike S. Smutny (Brooklyn Park, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Undiscovered (Audio CD)

I read all the hype on this guy and was skeptical that it could live up to it. This is a great disc though for anyone who loves good soulful pop songs. His voice sounds like a cross between Ray LaMontagne (not quite as raspy but with more energy) Stevie Wonder and Terence Trent D'Arby. The music is a perfect blend of old-school keyboards and horns without being overtly retro. It will appeal to fans of Van Morrison, Marc Broussard, Josh Kelly, Gavin DeGraw, Maroon 5 and more recent Jonny Lange. There's not a bad song on it. He's not that much like James Blunt (as some say) but he may reach the same cross cultural/cross generational audience and be one of "the" discs to buy this summer.