Earlier this year, he was unveiled as the first signing to Ed Sheeran's new record label Gingerbread Man Records, and now Jamie Lawson has finally released his debut self-titled album.
'Jamie Lawson' - out now
Kicking things off with hit single 'Wasn't Expecting That', the British singer/songwriter manages to convey a range of different emotions in just a short few minutes. What starts out as a relatively normal love story and pining for another's affection turns into something much more developed, and by the end of the song you're left contemplating the short time that 'life' really is. 'And the nurses they came / said it's come back again / I wasn't expecting that / then you closed your eyes / you took my heart by surprise / I wasn't expecting that' - it's a huge gut punch and abrupt end to the lead song, but one perfected by experienced vocals.
What follows are an array of songs that will capture the listener's imagination for various reasons - relatability, ambition, mystery - but never really live up to that opening track. Despite that it'd be unfair to say that these songs are worth giving up on. They're for sure tracks that deserve attention, but one can't help but wonder if Lawson knew he was showing his hand way too early on.
'Still Yours' is a standout, detailing the many different effects life can have on a heart, but the overwhelming desire of love that beats all of those, as the vital organ fights for acceptance with another. Really the song brings to light the ways of life and the constant yearning for a partner that the majority of the planet's population can relate to. Many feel incomplete without a significant other, and this is a feeling that 'Still Yours' captures perfectly.
The joy of 'Ahead Of Myself' is extremely welcome and helps elevate the song to new heights, whilst the contrast of the sombre 'In Our Own Worlds' allows Lawson to prove his versatility.
The music is beautiful, there's no denying that, but the listener should be asking for more. One man and his guitar is a fairly simple concept but it now feels like one that's been worn out. The passion and raw talent is there, but we need something more daring to take this to the next level. Jamie Lawson is beyond a shadow of a doubt somebody who deserves a success; it's up to him where he wants to take things next.
Jamie Lawson's debut self-titled album is out now via Gingerbread Man Records.
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