Many artists today don't possess the raw talent that it takes to fuse new ideas with classic songs, and much less to write their own, original music. But Jamie Cullum isn't most artists. In his most recent album, The Pursuit, he puts a refreshing spin on songs such as Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things" and Leslie Bricusse's "If I Ruled the World". He has a great talent for taking older songs and making them relevant again. But no matter the context of the song, you’ll be humming along to all of these hits in no time.
The Pursuit is Jamie Cullum's most experimental album to date. He flows effortlessly from bluesy ballads to jazz/pop influenced upbeat melodies. Although the fluidity of the album could be questioned by some, Jamie's quirky spirit carries through from song to song, tying the album together with a perfect bow.
Of all the star-quality songs on this album, "I'm All Over It" may shine the brightest. A break-up song with a happy outlook, it will have you throwing down your Ben & Jerry's and struttin' your stuff while Cullum croons "I'm all over it now, and I can't say how glad I am about that!" Another gem, "Not While I'm Around" puts a calming and yet affirmative twist on Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd ballad.
Showing us that he can make an extremely diverse album without losing sight of himself and his style is just one of Jamie Cullum's many talents. After this album, it's safe to say that Mr. Cullum and his deliciously raspy vocals are going to be sticking around for quite some time.
Very interesting. I say that overall you were generous with your critic. You were neither aggressive nor polite. But that allowed the reader to create their own idea of what exactly the album would be like. As for me the review said it all...mediocre.
ReplyDeleteI liked your line, "Jamie's quirky spirit carries through from song to song, tying the album together with a perfect bow." It was interesting how you talked about the different styles in the album.
ReplyDeleteThrow down that Ben & Jerry's! Funny imagery.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are actually quite good at music criticism! While you were tremendously forgiving in your praises, you still never crossed the line of "fluff". I also adored the last line, "After this album, it's safe to say that Mr. Cullum and his deliciously raspy vocals are going to be sticking around for quite some time".
ReplyDeleteI thought this was beautifully written. You did a good job of describing some of the songs individually and the album as a whole while incorporating a little humor, "Throw down your Ben & Jerry's."
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