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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
12:01 AM 8th January 2022
arts

Album Review: James Blunt - The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004-2021)

 
James Blunt - The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004-2021)
4 Stars

CD 1
Love Under Pressure;1973;Wisemen;Same Mistake;You’re Beautiful Monsters;Tears And Rain;Bonfire Heart;I Really Want You (live);Champions;The Truth;Heart To Heart;Postcards;No Bravery;Adrenaline

CD 2
Smoke Signals;Unstoppable;Goodbye My Lover;Coz I Love You (live at Glastonbury);So Long, Jimmy;Carry You Home;The Greatest;High;Don’t Give Me Those Eyes OK (Robin Schulz ft. James Blunt);Stay The Night; Bartender; Cold;Where Is My Mind? (live); I Came For Love Give Me Those Eyes; OK (Robin Schulz ft. James Blunt);Stay The Night;Bartender;Cold;Where Is My Mind? (live) I Came For Love.

Atlantic Records. Catalogue No: 0190296614989


When I think of James Blunt, the only song that always springs to mind is: You’re Beautiful.

There are of course, many other hits that Blunt has had over his seventeen year career; I think of Love Under Pressure, 1973 and Goodbye My Lover - which are all included in this stellar 2 CD package.

Blunt seems to specialise in writing honest, emotional songs people can relate to which makes him so popular. There is also his wit and charm which you will discover if you see him live. He never takes himself too seriously which adds to his enduring appeal.

Among the string of hit singles, the album features four new songs as well as four live performances from around the world, including the Glastonbury Festival.

Rather than getting labelled with the ballads that made him famous, Blunt has latterly had success with European dance artists such as Robin Schulz, witnessed here on the track OK. The uptempo number meant that you were just as likely to hear his music in an Ibiza night club as well as on the radio.

Rather than starting the album with You’re Beautiful it appears as the fifth number on CD1, which I feel gives prominence to his other hits that might not be as well-known.

Monsters, the heart-breaking ballad for his father, follows and proves, that a strong melody with a good lyric sung from the heart really are the best ingredients for a memorable song.

CD2 has Coz I Love You performed live at Glastonbury and Where Is My Mind? (live in Paris), whilst Blunt is still popular here in the UK he seems to be even more popular in continental Europe.

No doubt the majority of these songs will be performed on his forthcoming arena tour. If you want a entertaining night out with good songs interspersed with his sharp wit there is no finer opportunity.

Friday 4th February - AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday 8th February- Bonus Arena, Hull
Friday 11th February- First Direct Arena, Leeds


https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/james-blunt-tickets/artist/980710