Undiscovered
Young James Morrison has "success story" written all over him. Drawing influence from soul greats like Cat Stevens, Otis Redding, and Van Morrison, debut album Undiscovered reveals this Rugby-born vocalist has the sort of world-weary voice and songwriting chops to take theLater...With Jools Hollandpath to mainstream success that's formerly made stars of Damien Rice, James Blunt, and former tour-mate Corinne Bailey Rae. In keeping with his soul influences, much of Undiscovered has a full, warm multi-instrumental sound neatly rendered by Martin Terefe, producer for the likes of KT Tunstall and Ron Sexsmith. "Under the Influence", a passionate upfront love song, is borne along on florid piano and Beatles-esque string arrangements, while the tear-stained "Wonderful World" matches its emotional message ("I know that it's a wonderful world/But I can't feel it right now") with optimistic brass and cascading percussion. Album stand-outs come with "You Give Me Something" and the closing "Better Man", a solo acoustic number that really showcases the range of Morrison's voice. Purists may still baulk at the prospect of a white lad from the North of England singing soul, but the sure success of Undiscovered ought to prove that a strong voice will always be the bottom line.--Louis Pattison