Released: 26th January 2024
Published by: UROK Management
As one of the most popular UK solo artists, Tom Odell has been both a heartthrob and powerful musician to countless audiences. Following a stranger turn with Monsters through the pandemic and the more solemn Best Day Of My Life in 2022, he branches out once again with “Black Friday”. By applying a wider orchestra to his reflective tone, Tom has maintained a steady string of quality releases.
The most notable addition in Black Friday is the guitar and other string-based instruments; Odell has been heavily associated with the piano through the years and his sixth album moves away from it at many points, allowing simple acoustics to take the lead. The opening: “Answer Phone”, immediately sets off with another introspective and considered style. The album cover sees the artist standing in front of closed curtains, thinking through a serious relationship. The thirteen tracks are often quite short while maintaining both a slower pace and lower volume; the set is an easy listen, even if it does use some familiar lyrics and thematic undertones. Tom has always written songs about love and close connections; this entry is no different.
Long-term fans will still find that same mellow atmosphere with “Black Friday”, a peaceful and delicate piece that turns inwards once again. “Nothing Hurts Like Love” is also very emotive with every instrument being played at a gentle pace. The album dabbles in some brief bridging tracks and light commentary to bind the set together. “The Orchestra Tunes Up”, “The Orchestra takes Flight” and “The Orchestra is Feeling Tense” all mark interludes between the primary songs. It’s an interesting creative choice, though “Getaway (voice note)” feels oddly placed, cutting off before we get to the final track: “The End”. The album slowly fades out, backed up seamlessly by sweeping violins.
Black Friday marks a solid compromise in Tom Odell’s decade-long career in UK music, offering up both new instrumentation and the same high emotions that have amplified the singer’s talents. The lyrics and themes are rather samey, but the album will still satisfy most listeners both new and old.
Rating: B