Search - Duncan James :: Future Past

The album of 2006

Weather Warden | Auckland, NZ | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a massive Blue fan - both of the group, and of their solo members. I have already reviewed Simon and Lee's albums, now it's Duncan's turn.



Duncan is my favourite member of Blue, and I was eagerly anticipating his album. We had to wait a lot longer then we had to for Lee and Simon's album - Duncan's album was released in June 2006, while the other Blue solo albums came out in August/October 2005. But it was worth the wait. This is the best Blue solo album yet.



Duncan took his time making this album - he co-wrote nearly all of the tracks on it, and said he wanted to make something to be proud of. I hope he's proud of this album, as it is fabulous.



What are the best tracks on "Future Past"? Well... everything. But if you forced me to choose a couple of favourites, "What Are We Waiting For" is (in my opinion) the album's best track and my personal absolute favourite. This song is just beautiful - it's uplifting, has fabulous lyrics, and a brilliant rocky guitar interlude in the middle. Duncan also shows off his voice with a couple of long notes. Without a doubt, it is the album's standout track.



Other favourites of mine include "Letter To God" - the best ballad of the album, this song is gorgeous and heartfelt with amazing lyrics and vocals from Duncan. "Can't Stop A River" is another favourite, it's going to be the next single (released in August) - it's another ballad with fantastic lyrics and amazing orchestral music. It will be a travesty if this isn't a hit. "I Don't Wanna Stop" is another great song, more upbeat but still midtempo, "Amazed" is another one, it's a cover song of Lonestar. Duncan gives it his own twist and his vocals just flow over this amazingly - I remember the original and I think Duncan does it better. "Save This Moment For Me" is the album's closing track and it's almost 5 minutes of beautiful ballad, this song is a massive orchestral number where Duncan sings his heart out. "Sooner Or Later" was the lead single from the album, it's a great summery little track with a very catchy chorus and great vocals.

The remaining tracks "Suffer," "I Come Alive," "Turn My Head," "Breathing," "Frequency" and "Somebody Still Loves You" are a electic mix of upbeat tracks with catchy hooks and great music, with the last track being another ballad, but lighter then some of the other tracks.



Top 5 songs:

01. What Are We Waiting For

02. Letter To God

03. Can't Stop A River

04. I Don't Wanna Stop

05. Amazed



Overall, this is a VERY strong album, definitely my No.1 album of 2006. This is, without the doubt the best material produced by a Blue solo member to date. I love Duncan, and I think I love him even more now he's released his album now. Well done Duncan, your album is FABULOUS!"