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71 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Opening Act!, December 4, 2005
OK, so those folks across the pond were in on this before most of us, but now that we've got it, wow are we lucky. This has to be near the top of my "Best of 2005" list because it's somehow different, perfectly produced and includes ten totally diverse songs that make this first effort quite amazing. Starting with "High" the opening song, and followed by the radio single, "You're Beautiful" and right through to the tenth song, "No Bravery", this CD is first rate. Only down side - the F word on the non-radio version of "You're Beautiful", which honestly works better using the word flying as the F word anyway. It's more natural and doesn't seem so forced. I use the F word, but frankly it just wasn't necessary here. Bought the Clean version of the CD after having the explicit copy..........suggest you do the same! James Blunt is the real thing!
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49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Impressive debut album by James Blunt that is hard to define, but easily listenable (Clean Version).., October 28, 2005
James Blunt spent a year in Kosovo as a soldier in the British Army, basically meandering unsure of what he'd find. The lyrics and melodies he wrote in his spare time from soldiering formed the genesis of his impressive debut album, Back to Bedlam. With a unique falsetto voice that fits perfectly with his acoustic guitar based melodies, Blunt creates a style that is parts folk, rock, pop, and indie, and highly listenable.
The songs feel familar and comfortable at first listen, but what is interesting about Blunt is that his chords, melodies, and often lyrics veer in unpredictable directions, but with great results. Just when you think you know where the song is going, he changes it up a bit. That is the mark of a talented artist. Sonically, the songs are quite rich. The overall production values remind me a lot of Sarah McLachlan's: rich, deep, judicious use of strings and piano, and well crafted combination of instruments that juxatopose his unique voice. Some claim that Blunt as a songwriter envokes David Gray or John Mayer. I disagree, if anything I hear more of an Annie Lennox or Tracy Chapman, but with more melodic hooks.
Don't be suprised if you start hearing James Blunt popping up on television shows and radio everywhere. His music is accessible, enjoyable, and highly listenable, and if he can continue writing songs like High, Wiseman, So Long Jimmy, Goodbye My Lover, and No Bravery(which is heavily influenced by his experience in Kosovo), he will have a long career. Often #1 albums in Britain don't have the same appeal in the US, but if any album can crossover, this one can.
This version is the "clean" version, but there is literally no musical difference between the two versions, other than the removal of several profane words, especially one in "Your Beautiful." You really can't go wrong with either version though
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 STARS ++++++, May 6, 2006
I love James Blunt's music!!! My youngest sister found out about him last year when he's still barely known in the US. She told me she just heard this person with the most unique and wonderful voice. You must know that my sister is very hungry for new sound, she's tired of what's currently playing in the radio. After she heard JB, she searched him & found his video "You're Beautiful." She introduced me to JB's music & all 3 of us sisters got hooked. We were very fortunate to actually see him live in concert in Warfield, SF on April 6th, and I must confess that it was the time of our lives. We'were practically 2 feet away from him. We stood the whole concert for the whole 5 hours, plus the wait outside the venue, but we didn't mind :)
Back to reviewing this CD...what can I say is just I LOVE every song.
HIGH--is JB's way of describing how he felt watching the rising sun. According to JB, the inspiration came to him after staying late at night and witnessing the dawn. It's very uplifting.
YOU're BEAUTIFUL--I'm sure everybody knows about this by now. It's his first single & video in the US. The song is very simple, but very addicting. I don't know why. It may seem simple, but it's actually hard to sing to it. I love this song.
WISEMEN--very fun & catchy song. I love the part, where he ask, "Where are you now?"
GOODBYE MY LOVER--according to JB, it is the most personal song for him. He recorded it in the bathroom of Carrie Fisher (Actress) in Los Angeles, where she actually keeps a grand piano. During his concert, he pours his heart when singing this song, and I got teary-eyed. I was overwhelmed by this song.
TEARS & RAIN--is my favorite! This is the song, which I can totally connect with James. To me it's about looking deep inside you, surveying your inner feelings & thoughts about life and the present time. My favorite lines are:
"How I wish I could walk through the doors of my mind;
Hold memory close at hand,Help me understand the years.
How I wish I could choose between Heaven and Hell. How I wish I would save my soul.I'm so cold from fear. I guess it's time I run far, far away; find comfort in pain,All pleasure's the same: it just keeps me from trouble.Hides my true shape, like Dorian Gray."
OUT OF MY MIND--is another catchy & fast song. love the lyrics: Judging by the look on the organ grinder,
He'll judge me by the fact that my face don't fit.
It's touching that the MONKEY sits on my shoulder. James using the "Monkey King" in his logo. There is a great story behind that monkey :p
SO LONG JIMMY--great lyrics & music. One of the highlight in JB's concert. He just love performing this song. What've heard this is dedicated to the famous JIMs Morrison & Hendrix. As you may know, James is also Jimmy. I guess James is trying to compare his humble self & songwriting skills to the famous JIMs.
BILLY--is about a prodigal son. According JB, he wrote this song for Billy, an irresponsible friend :) who owes him money and who's now in-charge of website: jamesblunt.com. Billy is really a coold guy!!
CRY--another favorite of mind. This song is just like talking to a friend while trying to help her open up and speak to you. It's about friendship & sharing during those dificult time.
NO BRAVERY--a very emotional song not just for James but to the listeners. This is based on his experience as a soldier in Kosovo war. In concert, he plays the piano with great intensity and variety of emotions. You can hear in the song what he's feeling...sadness, fear, fury, disappointment,etc. I can't forget James's eyes and face when he sang this, as if he's reliving the war again. It breaks my heart, but what a release!!!
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by James Blunt 
