All The Lost Souls : James Blunt : Review : Rolling Stone

James Blunt's 2004 debut, Back to Bedlam, charmed American audiences like a bad Hugh Grant movie, only moonier -- soft, unfailingly polite, very sappy. On All the Lost Souls, Blunt again delves into pretty folk pop, though he comes up with a couple of solid cuts in the Bowie-minus-the-weird “One of the Brightest Stars” and “Give Me Some Love,” which is Elton-esque piano pop with a hilarious chorus that begins, “Why don't you give me some love?/I've taken a shipload of drugs.” Problem is, the same sap that fueled “You're Beautiful,” the silly little megahit Blunt may never live down, returns on songs like “Carry You Home.” What's more, too much of All the Lost Souls is just pleasant ether, with Blunt showing a gift for drabness on forgettable ballads that make Coldplay seem like the Arctic Monkeys. Blunt can write a solid pop song now and then. But on All the Lost Souls, the impulse to woo you with that androgynous voice and Byronic sensitivity overwhelms his better instincts.

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Sep 5, 2007)

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Review 1 of 7

4of 5 Stars

I'd never really payed any attention to James Blunt. I thought of him as the annoying "Beautiful" song guy. But a friend at work had the CD so I gave it a listen. The songwriting is great. I hated his voice at first but it grows on you. I hear a bit of the Beatles and some Cat Stevens in the style. Overall I think it's a pretty decent album.

Sep 24, 2007 18:59:26

Review 2 of 7

5of 5 Stars

I’m glad to hear you liked the album (since I’m helping the label talk to fans it)! Did you get the regular version or the MVI version? I’ve been playing with the MVI version and really think the videos are cool. Has anyone else tried out features on the MVI? www.mvimusic.com/jamesblunt if you want to know more.

Sep 19, 2007 13:35:08

Review 3 of 7

1of 5 Stars

Blunt really is brilliant songwriter. He's actually more of an ad man - "James we need some songs written from a woman's perspective, songs that will pull women in at first listen, trite Hallmarkism's cynically exploiting a woman's false dream of a sensitive, flower giving man who likes to cuddle. Oh, and why don't you sing the songs in a wavering falsetto !" In a recent interview Lil' James declared "I'm not that sensitive guy people assume I am ! I am and have actually always been a party boy!" So sorry TrixieF, despite his declarations on CD James is actually a Masters and Johnsons 6 minutes and out lover, no cuddling, no telling you you're "beautiful", Christ probably not even any kissing !!!

Sep 18, 2007 22:43:59

Review 4 of 7

1of 5 Stars

James Blunt is proof that a lot of the people can be fooled most of the time. His insipid and deeply offensive sincerity makes me want to throw up. He is, I suppose, some people's idea of a good songwriter. He is not. His songs take mediocrity to new plateaus.If you want great songwriting, go listen to Sufjan Stevens, Cherry Ghost or if you want to investigate the old masters, get Joni Mitchell's 'Hejira' or Tom Waits 'Rain Dogs'. Those of you filling your brains with James Blunt's coffee-shop muzak need a serious musical education!

Sep 17, 2007 20:22:20

Review 5 of 7

3of 5 Stars

When I first listened to the tracks on this album I was amazed at how simplicity can be so beautiful. Many of todays artists seem to be afraid to really show what they've got. They work with choirs in the background and plenty of special effects. I believe that Blunt has overcome his fear and has stepped out of the shadow of the mainstream (the chorus of One of the Brightest stars maybe the exception to the rule). I felt good when I listened to his album and not many artists does that for me these days. He has a gentle voice and that really shows on this album but he needs to work with his style but I think that will come after a few albums, if the recordcompanies think his material is worth it. The tones of this album also reminds me a bit about Beatleesque rythms. Though it doesnt really come up to their standards one can hear a bit of Sgt Pepper in the mixing. I have allways thought that that album was truely ahead of its time and quite timeless. Overall it is quite a solid album but some catchy pop melodies with a hint of soul passing through it. Cant wait to get my hands on the next one...

Sep 16, 2007 11:04:24

Review 6 of 7

4of 5 Stars

Soft, mellow, beautiful. While "All The Lost Souls" may not measure up to "Back To Bedlam," it certainly stands proud. "1973" is a bit of a misleading lead single - it's disco-ish, pop-ish; the rest of the album is neither. Whether that is enjoyable or not is a matter of personal choice. Whatever the case, there is no escaping his haunting, beautiful voice as he croons and sways his merry way through another magnificent set.

Sep 12, 2007 22:59:24

Review 7 of 7

5of 5 Stars

Pure listening pleasure compared to the usual pop/hiphop drivel being played on the airwaves today. An artist capable of capturing an audience and fans of all ages around the world. That is what success is all about. T-----F

Sep 10, 2007 17:00:19

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