Released: 25th October 2019
Published by: Atlantic UK
James Hillier Blount, better known as James Blunt on stage, has reached his sixth major release; fans and newcomers alike will be treated to a more reflective, though mostly safe offering.
Blunt has been on the UK music scene for a while now, beginning with 2005’s Back to Bedlam and the standout: “You’re Beautiful”, he’s maintained a steady string of expression ever since. Returning every three or four years, James has maintained his relevance by offering a balance of uplifting, chirpy creations placed against slower, more heartfelt pieces; combined with his distinctive voice, his latest offering continues this thread well enough. Once again, the guitar and piano play major roles, with songs like “Halfway” and “I Told You” falling alongside compositions from 2013’s Moon Landing. The eleven tracks of “Once Upon a Mind” occupy a middle ground in James’s extended collection when it comes to tone and pacing. Those looking for something to pull at the heartstrings will find “Monsters”, an ode to parents and the support they give.
When compared to his previous release: “The Afterlove” however, “Once Upon a Mind is far more introspective as James figuratively submerges himself back into more emotive material, this time accompanied by more background vocals and instruments. One of the most notable tracks is “Cold”; intended as a pseudo-sequel to the artist’s initial smash, it’s a more sweeping piece that highlights Blunt’s shift away from soft and sombre beginnings to more upbeat numbers. Many of the other tracks home in on themes of family, past lovers and pushing forward in life, often in a familiar way. “5 Miles”, one of Blunt’s rare takes on electronic music is an interesting direction, but he doesn’t take full advantage of it throughout the album. The same is true for “How it feels to be alive”, and “Stop the Clock”; two more sonorous, atmospheric pieces that wouldn’t look out of place in a ritzy theatre performance. While each track does play to James’s strengths as a writer, he’s still singing about the same topics that have populated his songs for years, something that could have been expanded on in a contemporary setting.
“Once Upon a Mind” has a decent emotional core and occasional glimpses of new territory for James Blunt; with that said, it certainly won’t sway any who haven’t enjoyed his music in the past and overall, things feel comfortably familiar.
Rating: C
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