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Be-quiffed Yorkshireman John Newman burst onto the scene when his powerful vocals featured on Rudimental’s smash hit of summer 2012, ‘Feel the Love.’ Going on to score a No.1 single of his own with ‘Love Me Again,’ Newman’s debut album has a lot riding on it, but does it live up the high standards set so far?
It is hard to place Newman’s first album into a genre. The 23-year old has evidently been influenced by a number of people from a whole variety of music scenes, outlined during opening number ‘Tribute’ as he lists iconic acts that have inspired the album.
His instantly recognisable voice would normally see him classed as UK R&B, but his No.1 single ‘Love Me Again’ is so much more than this. It has the feel of a perfectly formulated song that will have everyone from your Nan to your little brother, resisting the urge to dance. Follow-up single ‘Cheating’ captures this same magic, in such a way that it could so easily be Love Me Again pt 2.
Newman attempts to makes bold statements with his songs, they are well produced and lyrically sound and moments of joy in ‘Running’ with its sumptuous choral harmonies and the Motown inspired ‘All I Need Is You’ shine through.
As the album flows seamlessly on, the break-up that inspired the writing of the album starts to overshadow the quality. The structure and nature of Newman’s songs becomes a little predictable, as his ever impressive voice wrapped in swathes of punchy keys, swirling horns and trumpets wears thin.
When thinking about what the album compares to, Plan B’s 2010 masterpiece ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’ does spring to mind and at times Tribute could be interpreted as a follow up or in fact a tribute to that album.
John Newman has a voice that will always impress and his brand of radio-friendly music will ensure that his success will be prolonged and fruitful. Tribute is at times exceptional but all too predictable though and Newman’s theme of heartbreak and rebuilding needs refreshing so this strong debut can be built on.
