James Morrison had a dream start to his career as a singer-songwriter - his debut album Undiscovered yielded no fewer than five singles - You Give Me Something, Wonderful World, The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore, Undiscovered a... more »nd One Last Chance. Undiscovered went to No 1 in Britain, Top 30 in America and won him the 2007 Brit Award for Best Male (he was also nominated for Best Single and Best Newcomer). James's debut sold over two million copies worldwide and he became the biggest selling British male solo artist of 2006. James's reputation as a must-see live performer also soared. Following his jaw dropping, first ever TV performance on Later With Jools Holland he went on to play amazing shows to adoring crowds, including the V festival twice in one day, the Royal Variety Performance, the Concert for Diana and the more traditional 3 sold-out UK tours. He toured Europe, Australia and Japan, did three separate tours of America, gigging coast to coast. He also supported John Mayer on his large outdoor `sheds' tour in the US. James loved the musical appreciation in the American South, in particular. "People were awesome in Alabama - really friendly, loud and lairy. Even if you play a quiet song, afterwards they just go YEAH!!!" In August 2007 he sat down to write and record the Notoriously Difficult Second Album. And at first it did prove difficult. "As soon as I'd get something good I'd think about it and screw it up." And then the penny dropped: "Just go for what you're feeling at the time. That's how I worked on the first album, and in a way I think that's some of the reason why people liked it. It wasn't trying too hard." And so the people who really made him feel, the ones who became the subjects of his songs on Undiscovered - his family and friends - his relationship with each of them, and the new chapters in all their lives, became central to the new album. James went with whatever and whoever was on his mind, and took it from there. The songs began to flow. "I've called the album Songs for You, Truths for Me because that's what I feel it is. It's songs for Gill and everyone else. But for me they're truths. They're how I feel." Songs for You, Truths For Me is a classic James Morrison record that once again showcases his distinctive, raw, soulful style - but takes it to the next level. "It's less playful, more to the point," he says. "But I haven't consciously gone for a different sound. With me, it always comes down to the lyric, the melody, and the rest flows from that." James Morrison's big, unashamedly romantic heart and generous spirit shines through like a beacon. Songs For You, Truths For Me sees the wide eyed soul-boy become a wiser man. With this he shines once more on a brilliant new collection of songs and cathartic truths.« less
James Morrison had a dream start to his career as a singer-songwriter - his debut album Undiscovered yielded no fewer than five singles - You Give Me Something, Wonderful World, The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore, Undiscovered and One Last Chance. Undiscovered went to No 1 in Britain, Top 30 in America and won him the 2007 Brit Award for Best Male (he was also nominated for Best Single and Best Newcomer). James's debut sold over two million copies worldwide and he became the biggest selling British male solo artist of 2006. James's reputation as a must-see live performer also soared. Following his jaw dropping, first ever TV performance on Later With Jools Holland he went on to play amazing shows to adoring crowds, including the V festival twice in one day, the Royal Variety Performance, the Concert for Diana and the more traditional 3 sold-out UK tours. He toured Europe, Australia and Japan, did three separate tours of America, gigging coast to coast. He also supported John Mayer on his large outdoor `sheds' tour in the US. James loved the musical appreciation in the American South, in particular. "People were awesome in Alabama - really friendly, loud and lairy. Even if you play a quiet song, afterwards they just go YEAH!!!" In August 2007 he sat down to write and record the Notoriously Difficult Second Album. And at first it did prove difficult. "As soon as I'd get something good I'd think about it and screw it up." And then the penny dropped: "Just go for what you're feeling at the time. That's how I worked on the first album, and in a way I think that's some of the reason why people liked it. It wasn't trying too hard." And so the people who really made him feel, the ones who became the subjects of his songs on Undiscovered - his family and friends - his relationship with each of them, and the new chapters in all their lives, became central to the new album. James went with whatever and whoever was on his mind, and took it from there. The songs began to flow. "I've called the album Songs for You, Truths for Me because that's what I feel it is. It's songs for Gill and everyone else. But for me they're truths. They're how I feel." Songs for You, Truths For Me is a classic James Morrison record that once again showcases his distinctive, raw, soulful style - but takes it to the next level. "It's less playful, more to the point," he says. "But I haven't consciously gone for a different sound. With me, it always comes down to the lyric, the melody, and the rest flows from that." James Morrison's big, unashamedly romantic heart and generous spirit shines through like a beacon. Songs For You, Truths For Me sees the wide eyed soul-boy become a wiser man. With this he shines once more on a brilliant new collection of songs and cathartic truths.
Julie Y. from STORMVILLE, NY Reviewed on 10/7/2010...
I loved the first album so much I didn't think this could compare but now I find myself going back again and again to listen. Love his voice and his Stevie Wonder vibe. Great CD for driving.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
2 For 2
JK Rock | 10/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"James Morrison comes through yet again with a brilliant sophmore album. If you liked undiscovered you will definitely love this one. Without getting into too much detail I can tell you that although its hard to believe, this album is better than his previous one. I love every song with the exception of "Dream On Hayley", but considering I'm writing a review after listening to it only once I'm sure that will change. Every song is spectacular but I'd have to say that my favorite is "Please Don't Stop The Rain". I highly reccomend that you go out and buy this album if you were a fan of the first one, and if you havent heard any James Morrison before give him a chance. It definitely will be worth your time."
Modern Day John Waite! Love this CD.
CAtoNV | NV United States | 01/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I discovered this CD after buying Jason Mraz's new CD. Awesome, Love it, listen to it every day. He immediately reminded me of John Waite (his old stuff when he was in The Baby's), great lyrics, soulful, and a true artist."
Blue eyed soul from the UK
Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 10/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Should by some "Back to the future"-style magic Otis Redding or Sam Cooke hitched a ride on a time machine to the present, I think they would be pleasantly surprised to find their retro Soul sound still going very strong, with people like Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Raphael Saadiq and Robin Thicke (to mention a few) flying the flag very high.
Add to that list UK singer/songwriter james Morrison. Brought up on a staple of soul music that included Stevie Wonder, his very soulful debut "Undiscovered" topped the UK album charts 2 years ago. "Songs for you, truths for me" continues where his debut left off; simple songs, highly melodic, very soulfully sung, his gruff vocals recalling a smoother Rod Stewart.
Lead-off single "You make it real" is a lovely piano/guitar driven ballad with a plaintive delivery. The gently pulsing "Broken strings" features Nelly Furtado on additional vocals. "If you don't wanna love me" is Blues-tinged with fiery vocals, and would put a smile on Mr Cooke's face.
"The only night" is an upbeat piano rocker Elton John or Paul Weller could have done, while the gently stomping "Nothing ever hurt like you" reminds me ever so faintly of "I heard it through the grapevine".
Other standouts include the horn/organ peppered "Fix this world up for you" (ah, if only life were that simple), the beautiful "Save yourself" (with Gospel-style harmonies), the acoustic "Love is hard", and my absolute favourite, the delicate "Once when I was little".
Great!!
"
Not bad follow-up
Robert Thomas | San Diego | 11/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I thoroughly enjoy James' first album, feeling he is a really unique artist, and could hardly wait for his second album.
His songs are very mature, dealing with relationships, hardships, emotions and he belies his youth. I could hardly believe such deep, touching lyrics flowed so easily from him. One aspect I really love about his vocal style is his emphasis, where he growls and hums. You really hear that a lot on his first album, it just adds to his distinct style.
Here on the latest album, he still sounds fabulous but all but one song are stripped of this emphasis, which is too bad. I wonder why.
The duet with Nelly Furtado I could do without. I'm not really famililar with her artistry, but the nasal vocal is not to my taste.
All in all, a good second effort but the first album's still my favorite of the two."
He has done it again !!
Susan35 | Danbury, CT | 10/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been waiting for James to follow up his first album, Undiscovered, and was not disappointed after listening to this album. His style has definately matured since Undiscovered. This is such a talented young man whose passion for music radiates every track on this cd. Once again he has delivered songs that were written from the heart, and sung with soul. Take a minute to check him out, you wont be disappointed. Meanwhile, I will be waiting for his NEXT album release !!"