James Morrison - Songs For You, Truths For Me (2008)

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There was a lot of hype surrounding "Songs For You, Thruths For Me".

UK singer James Morrisons' debut Undiscovered was unquestionably huge. He was the biggest selling male artist in the UK in 2006.

And as is so often the case, it is always hard to do the follow up album when your debut goes through the roof and everyone wants to know you. There is a lot expected of you - and a hell of a lot of pressure on you to do well from both the record companies and fans.

Luckily, Mr Morrison hasn't done too bad here.

I've got to admit, the man is a pretty hard working musician. He has been constantly touring and promoting himself and his music since he released the last album, breaking only to write and record this new piece.

"Songs For You, Truths For Me" may not break any new ground, but it's a very laid back and damn easy to listen to album.

I like it, but its nothing special. It's a little on the bland side.

He seems to have played it very safe, and produced something along the lines of what he thinks everyone would expect.

The opening track The Only Night sets the mood for the album, and lets you know what you are in for. Big sound, raspy vocals and a song about love.

Morrison's husky vocals are great, just a little bit raw and real, while his sound is utterly unique.

I could have done without Broken Strings, his duet with Nelly Furtado. It comes across as a little contrived and their voices just don't seem to mesh all that well.

On the stand out track, Please Don't Stop The Rain, Morrison seems to let himself go a little more. His vocal style is very well suited to the song, delivering a track that is both moody and upliftingly beautiful.

"Songs For You, Truths For Me" is basically a collection of songs about love. As nice as that may be, there is only so much I can hear on that subject before it gets a little jaded.

While this album may not show much growth as an artist, it is nice and mellow and easy to listen to. Perhaps James Morrison needs to do a little more writing by himself and less collaborations, so it is more honest and less manufactured.

Hopefully he will regain a little more creative control on his next venture and be allowed to explore his musical style more, because it's quite clear the man has quite a lot to offer to the musical world.

But more than anything - let's just hope that by the next album, he has found a few other things to write about...

RATING: 2.5 out of 5

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