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Your support makes all the difference.John Newman’s second album opens with a dramatic, string-draped declamation about resilience by Idris Elba, in full Henry V vocal armour.
Heaven knows what it’s got to do with Newman, whose rise has been notably obstacle-free – perhaps overly so, judging by the apparent absence of any exploratory urge here.
Track after track follows the same formula, with Newman’s subdued introductory verse swallowed by a huge, anthemic refrain that never lets up, his voice drowned in a tide of orchestra and chorus, all dialled up to 11. It’s quite frustrating, because the verses of songs like “We All Get Lonely” and “Come and Get It” reveal a pleasingly scorched soul passion to his voice that’s never allowed any other resolution than the air-punching, euphoric chorus.
The piano ballad “I’m Not Your Man” comes closest, its central conflict offering a rare opportunity for Newman to showcase his more intimate, deep-soul delivery.
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