Jamie Scott releases beautiful tribute to Jamiroquai’s Toby Smith with new album

While Jamie Scott may not be a familiar name to all, his songwriting credits most definitely will be. He’s penned hits for what feels like everyone including One Direction, Justin Bieber, Ellie Goulding and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man. With his recent album How Still The River, Jamie steps into the spotlight to reveal an honest look at the man behind the songs.

The 11 track album explores themes of love, loss and hurt, with lyrics that are raw and vulnerable. The production on How Still The River brings a sophistication and maturity to Jamie’s already recognisable writing style. Upon listening it is apparent that Jamie has recorded these songs the way he intended them to sound when he first wrote them. He even includes his own version of ‘Fool’s Gold’, originally recorded by One Direction, but here it is stripped back to showcase his stunning vocals with a gentle guitar.



Moments like ‘This Time Lucky’ and folky ballad ‘Emily’, which he co-wrote with duo Hudson Taylor, have a feel reminiscent of Niall Horan’s Flickr album. It’s no coincidence considering Jamie has written multiple tracks with and for Horan. But the real treat comes in the middle of the album with the wide airy production on ‘Friendly Fire’ and ‘Bottle of Pills’ that lean more towards the Americana-rock sound of The War On Drugs, with driving rhythms and reverb-tinged electric guitars.

How Still The River is a soundtrack to the ups and downs of life. While ‘New York Nights’ gets your toes tapping with its uplifting brass section and jazz piano, ‘Song For A Friend’ pays tribute to his late friend and mentor Toby Smith of Jamiroquai. Jamie leaves us with a moment of reflection in the final track, ‘I Was There’ is an instrumental number which finishes the album with a sense of optimism for moving forward.