Photo:
Winning the X Factor over the years hasn’t always guaranteed success; in fact the runner-up of the talent show has often enjoyed a more successful career, Olly Murs and JLS to name a few have gone on to lengthy successful careers although the later announced their split early this year. 2012 winner James Arthur releases his debut self-titled album, and it seems like the timing of the release couldn’t have been planned any better, with this year’s show now underway it will provide Arthur a platform to showcase his new material and reinstate the attention of many.
It’s arguable that Arthur is one of the most popular X Factor contestants to date. Already with a BRIT Award nomination for his winning single ‘Impossible’ which was the fastest selling single of 2012 in the UK and has become the biggest selling X-Factor single of all-time, seeing it top the iTunes charts in 34 different countries, with all that in his locker, the young singer/songwriter has managed to prolong the hype since winning the competition at the back end of last year. Unlike some of his counterparts (Steve Brookstein, Leon Jackson) Arthur is held in high regard and that faith has been repaid with ‘Your Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You’ reaching No.2 in the UK Top 40, which is nothing more than album filler according to Arthur, some may argue that point but nonetheless is an exciting lead single.
The debut album of any winning X Factor contestant has always been put in the spotlight but the self-titled record will surprise many, showcasing Arthur’s song writing ability and soulful vocal range. All the big guns have been drafted in on this record, with man of the moment Naughty Boy producing four tracks along with BRIT award winner Emeli Sande featuring on track ‘Roses’, a pleasant ballad while the contrast of Sande and Arthur’s vocals blend seamlessly with Arthur not sounding more than within his comfort zone. The song titles offer an insight into the theme of this record, ‘New Tattoo’, ‘Recovery’ and ‘Suicide’ to name a few; certainly puts him in a different category to the likes of Olly Murs. ‘New Tattoo’ is a heavily guitar driven track with endless amounts of swagger, much like the attitude of this record, it’s brave and bold with what seems like so much riding it on being successful. Whilst ‘Recovery’ offers a glimpse into his past, ‘Flyin’ is the most interesting track, short-lived but comparable to the likes of Plan B, giving listeners an insight into where he may go with the next record.
James Arthur will no doubt be compared to a range of artists with this debut album and the attention will almost certainly undermine the release, but this record is surprising to say the least. It’s a very brave debut from Arthur, who has been labelled one of the more talented winners from the television show and this record certainly provides Arthur with a stepping stone to becoming a successful established artist.
