James Blunt – Who We Used To Be

James Blunt is headed back into the UK pop charts with his latest offering, as he takes us on an emotional rollercoaster. Showcasing his raw and heartfelt lyrics, the seven studio album from Blunt is a testament to his undeniable talent and ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. Created to coincide with the release of his memoir – Loosely Based on a Made-up Story – Who We Used to Be’s deluxe edition, invites listeners to embark on an emotional journey through 14 easily digestible tracks.

Blunt, now approaching 50, appears as vulnerable as ever, though never strays far from his signature sound as he dives deep into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, allowing listeners to embark on a cathartic journey of emotions. His distinctive and soulful voice cuts through every track, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s heart. This is not the Blunt of old, nor is he predictable.

From the introspective ballads like opening track ‘Saving A Life’, which draws inspiration from Imagine Dragons’ ‘Believer’ with its rousing chorus, to the infectious and upbeat tunes like EDM pop hits ‘Cold Shoulder’ and ‘Some Kind Of Beautiful’, in which Blunt makes excellent use of the production at hand. The album is contrastingly poignant and uplifting, often switching between the two seamlessly as he plays with us on an emotional level. 

This is one of Blunt’s best albums to date and serves as a tantalising glimpse into the singer/songwriter’s growth and maturity as an artist, it is one that will be kept on my playlist for a long time. 

7/10

Words: Mike Milenko

—