More on: James Blunt

Date: 05/09/07
Rating:

Tonight's relatively intimate gig sees James Blunt showcase tracks from his new album 'All The Lost Souls', and lest we forget that, the simple stage set up consists of a neon sign of said album title. Blunt bounds on stage like an excitable puppy welcoming his owners home, to the beginning of 'Breathe', with new song 'Annie' following. The singer looks thrilled to be playing in London again, having made Ibiza his home (the tan gives it away). The first thing apparent is the rapport he has with his long-time bandmates, who all look like carbon copies of him in their scruffs and beards. The obvious chemistry they have with each other makes them feel like a whole band, as Blunt never hogs the limelight, and the atmosphere onstage carries into the crowd. This lack of ego in a hugely successful solo artist should be duly noted by frontmen of some bands.

Three songs in, Blunt gets the bane of his life out of the way. 'You're Beautiful' may have made him millions, but opened him up to derision, and to be fair, it is a cringeworthy tune. How could he possibly drop it from the set though? His audience consists of the very people who love it, and sing their sappy hearts out to it tonight. With the wince-inducing number out of the way early, it is possible to stand back and enjoy - guilt-free - what Blunt is good at. Namely performing strong tunes with a voice which, whether you love or hate the tone, is expressive and note-perfect. 'Wisemen' is possibly the strongest track he's written, and it would take a complete killjoy not to recognise it as a great pop song. It is performed tonight with such gusto and drive it almost gives goosebumps.

Tonight's show is very press-heavy, prompting Blunt to comment "I've just had a panic! I've invited the press and I have lots of friends here. Please don't talk about my sex life!" Nervousness and twitchiness that has been present before has gone tonight - confidence abounds, Blunt engages his audience perfectly, and is in high spirits. So he should be, as new songs like 'One Of The Brightest Stars' are massively catchy and enjoyable. There's no real departure from 'Back To Bedlam' on show tonight. The tracks played seem to have less weight on their shoulders, and clearly reflect two years of counting his millions and supermodel girlfriends as opposed to war-torn countries. Maybe they'll have a deeper resonance when listened to on the album, as tonight's mood is definitely one for partying and not sombreness. For example, 'No Bravery' is not performed tonight.

The crowd is kept happy, as Blunt performs an equal mix of old and new, all nicely interspersed. New single '1973' goes down extremely well, although ironically, it appears to be the weakest of the new songs, with its undercurrent of cheese. Excellent effect with Koko's giant mirrorball though, which has everyone, including those on stage, gazing at it with awe. Blunt gets so swept away, he leaps precariously onto the wobbly piano - a brave move for a man so many would love to see fall, both metaphorically and physically.

An encore of 'Same Mistake', the emotional number heard at this summer's 'Live Earth', and 'So Long Jimmy' bring the hour-long set to a close. It feels like it's been much longer, and not in a bad way. The hits have been played, we've had a taste of the new album, jokes have been made, fun has been had and tears have probably been shed to the funeral-fave 'Goodbye My Lover' ("Do people stand at funerals with clipboards, taking surveys?"). Yes, he may be cheesy, he may inadvertently be more of a celebrity than a serious artiste, and he may unfairly be a laughing stock, but James Blunt can deliver the goods to shut his fiercest critics up.

Becky Reed

James Blunt Official Site