James Morrison might be nice to look at, but he is even nicer to listen to - his voice will hook you instantly. With this talent, it is no surprise that his debut album, "Undiscovered," did not stay that way for long.
Although the record was just released in the United States on March 13, it has been popular in the United Kingdom for quite some time and has been tearing up U.K. charts since its release there in late July 2006. The triple-platinum album helped Morrison win a 2007 BRIT Award for British male solo artist and produced two top-five singles, "You Give Me Something" and "Wonderful World."
"Undiscovered" is an inspirational album that draws on Morrison's life experiences; he says, "I had a shit time growing up, so I wanted to write songs about how people go through hard times, but I didn't want to write downer songs."
Morrison accomplished his goal - the songs have the potential to serve as life mottos and anecdotes for all situations. Morrison's influences include Al Green, Otis Redding and Cat Stevens, which explain the message-bearing quality of the songs.
Morrison may look like Chris Martin and James Blunt, but he sounds edgier, smokier and more bluesy. His sound belies his age - 22 years - in a spectacular way that can make the listener believe what he is singing.
His voice is reminiscent of soul greats Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles; however, Morrison told Blender Magazine, "I don't sing stereotypical white-guy music, but if I stood next to a black guy, you'd know I was white."
The bluesy, rock-pop and sometimes gospel instrumentation also reflects those soul influences. The choruses are full of feeling and excitement and display how Morrison has been inspired by greats such as John Lennon and contemporaries like Damien Rice.
A common thread running throughout the album is that the lyrics are very relatable. Morrison sings about universal themes, such finding oneself and finding ways to deal with life when it gets tough. His passionate delivery of the song "Wonderful World" is just one example of this, as he sings about the love and friendship necessary to put up with what the world deals out.
Luckily for Morrison, his strong debut in the U.K. has led to a successful start in the U.S. His music has appeared in the ABC television show "Ugly Betty," and he is currently scheduling a tour in the States. For a list of current dates and more information about James Morrison, visit his Web site.
