Island Records (label)
16 October 2015 (released)
16 October 2015
Soulful smoky voiced John Newman, known for his anthem ‘Love Me Again’, has just released his second album ‘Revolve’. All soul has disappeared and been replaced with mainstream pop and his fantastic raw vocals that could be recognised almost immediately are lost. It seems Newman has only gone backwards with the albums exhausting unoriginal sound.
The album starts with Idris Elba delivering an overly dramatic incongruous monologue that leaves you lost for words in confusion. The gripping monologue is completely destroyed and becomes slightly humorous as ‘All My Heart’ begins. The disco pop track makes Newman’s vocals sound similar to Olly Murs, losing all originality and soul he owned. The commercialisation of the track doesn't suit him at all. ‘Something Special’ follows a very similar structure with the simple lyrics and fast beat that would work perfectly for a children’s dance class.
Newman’s potential sneaks in at parts with radio friendly ‘Come And Get It’. The catchy chorus and more soulful sound suits his vocals proving he has the voice to carry him through bigger better songs. The sing along shows a shimmer of light in the album but that is soon demolished with ‘Never Give It Up’. The introduction is promising but the song soon becomes something perfect for a jogging playlist with encouraging lyrics.
Charlie Wilson from 70s funk band The Gap Band makes an appearance on ‘Tiring Game’, which follows the same pattern with an encouraging introduction but the song doesn't go anywhere and stays repetitive and irritating.
The tempo is brought down for ‘I’m Not Your Man’ that truly shows off Newman’s raspy vocals but it sounds amateur with repetitive piano chords and simplistic lyrics. It is the only song to show his full potential vocally, which is a shame as his vocals have gone to waste.
John Newman has such a powerful stunning voice but it’s if they’ve ignored his style and gone straight for the mainstream that they think will sell. Unfortunately, I don’t feel the album will be successful, lacking originality and that soul that Newman used to own. The highlights of the album such as ‘Come And Get It’ show there is so much more there so why didn’t he prove that?
