Jamie Webster’s return has little surprise in terms of themes that we come to expect from his latest release. The working class, poverty and character driven narratives are ever present for the ‘Voice Of The Voiceless’. This repetition could become dull, however, it is a craft that Jamie has finessed, and what his fans have come to appreciate and respect. It is also this theme that comes with the territory of not caring about opinions, and with each album grows Jamie’s confidence and boldness to say exactly what’s on his mind.
It was nice to hear in the first verse of the album opener Better Day Jamie touching on a different narrative; himself. “From festivals to sell-out tours, believe me I was never sure I’d get this far”. It’s a good way to open the album, and the subject of self appraisal that modest Jamie would like to get out of the way. It’s a thank you to his fans before moving onto the themes that we come to expect. He manages to fit in a lot of subject matter into the next verse, mentioning the News, Leaders and Union men (among others). It’s like he was playing catch up, and almost feels a bit forced.
This boldness shows his confidence, and the determination he thrives upon to discuss what really bothers him. That’s very evident in the track Dolly Bird, where he’s clearly singling out reality TV star Molly-Mae. Her controversial quote “We all have the same 24 hours in a day” is featured within this track. Molly is also mentioned again by name in the track Looking Good. Intentional or a random name? only Jamie will know for sure. But this observation of people in a position of fame shows Jamie will speak his mind, which shows how assured he is in his craft.
Despite potential new enemies, Jamie’s made some friends along the way. Fickle Fran, the tale of a real life character Jamie knew growing up features songwriting veteran Billy Bragg, and has a hook that wouldn’t sound out of place on any pop record, and will be a definite sing-along for fans. Another area where Jamie isn’t afraid to present his influences is the track Looking Good. The backing of rhythmic trumpets is clearly an inspiration of KC & The Sunshine Band track Boogie Shoes, and sounds extremely similar in its execution.
Voice Of The Voiceless, the lead single from the album sums up the legacy that Jamie will be known for, but despite the lyricism of an issue of importance to him, the forced nature of this song is uninspiring. However, the album closer How Do You
Sleep At Night? Hits the nail on the head in terms of creating a perfect blend of songwriting craft and lyricism in which Jamie is trying to achieve. It’s to the point, and gets the narrative across in key points that leave space for the listener to absorb. You can clearly see and hear the musical influences that Jamie is inspired by, whilst not being coated in plagiarism.
Jamie’s form and assurance in himself is what makes this record a welcome entry to his discography, and despite what is a sometimes forced feel to some tracks, his confidence may be the key factor in what takes him to the next level.
It was nice to hear in the first verse of the album opener Better Day Jamie touching on a different narrative; himself. “From festivals to sell-out tours, believe me I was never sure I’d get this far”. It’s a good way to open the album, and the subject of self appraisal that modest Jamie would like to get out of the way. It’s a thank you to his fans before moving onto the themes that we come to expect. He manages to fit in a lot of subject matter into the next verse, mentioning the News, Leaders and Union men (among others). It’s like he was playing catch up, and almost feels a bit forced.
This boldness shows his confidence, and the determination he thrives upon to discuss what really bothers him. That’s very evident in the track Dolly Bird, where he’s clearly singling out reality TV star Molly-Mae. Her controversial quote “We all have the same 24 hours in a day” is featured within this track. Molly is also mentioned again by name in the track Looking Good. Intentional or a random name? only Jamie will know for sure. But this observation of people in a position of fame shows Jamie will speak his mind, which shows how assured he is in his craft.
Despite potential new enemies, Jamie’s made some friends along the way. Fickle Fran, the tale of a real life character Jamie knew growing up features songwriting veteran Billy Bragg, and has a hook that wouldn’t sound out of place on any pop record, and will be a definite sing-along for fans. Another area where Jamie isn’t afraid to present his influences is the track Looking Good. The backing of rhythmic trumpets is clearly an inspiration of KC & The Sunshine Band track Boogie Shoes, and sounds extremely similar in its execution.
Voice Of The Voiceless, the lead single from the album sums up the legacy that Jamie will be known for, but despite the lyricism of an issue of importance to him, the forced nature of this song is uninspiring. However, the album closer How Do You
Sleep At Night? Hits the nail on the head in terms of creating a perfect blend of songwriting craft and lyricism in which Jamie is trying to achieve. It’s to the point, and gets the narrative across in key points that leave space for the listener to absorb. You can clearly see and hear the musical influences that Jamie is inspired by, whilst not being coated in plagiarism.
Jamie’s form and assurance in himself is what makes this record a welcome entry to his discography, and despite what is a sometimes forced feel to some tracks, his confidence may be the key factor in what takes him to the next level.
