James Blunt
from WikiMusicGuide, the free music guide. Your music wiki.
James Blunt hit the international spotlight not so long ago with his hit single "You're Beautiful". The music video of which shows him taking off everything that he has; from the things in his pocket to his shoes and everything else he was wearing, ending with him eventually jumping off a mountain. His debut album, "Back To Bedlam" gave him the chance to shine in 2005. This British artist also gave us other songs that had a sensitive touch like "Goodbye My Lover" and "Wiseman". To listen to James Blunt is like sitting at the peace and quiet of the beach while watching the sunset.
Contents |
About
A Life Without Music
James Hillier Blount or simply James Blunt to all music fans, was born in 1974 in a Military Hospital in Tidworth, Wiltshire, England. He hails from a family of servicemen starting from his medieval knight grest grandfather to his army men father. A wonderboy of music who grew up in a household of military discipline; music is considered a waste of time. The only songs he is allowed to hear are "Silent Night" during Christmas eve and "Happy Birthday". With a lineage like that, who would have thought that he'd land the music industry?
He was provided with excellent education by his family from Elstree School and Harrow School. After which he earned a degree in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering and another in Sociology from the Royal Military Academy, not to mention that he passed the degree, not sitting on a desk and listening intently to his professors, but lying at the back of the room, eyes closed, probably dreaming. He also became a part of the Life Guards regiment in the British army. After which, he landed a rank in the NATO.
Where is the music? It came from his boredom. He fought in Kosovo with a gun on his hand and a guitar on their tank. After the war he guarded The Queen, buried The Queen Mother and as he pranced around London for the entertainment of the tourists. Aside from that, he spent the rest of his time playing his guitar and singing.
From Military To Music
In September of 2003, he came to Los Angeles and luckily landed a recording stint with Linda Perry (Custard Label) with the song "No Bravery" that he wrote while he was still in service. At night, he goes bar hopping wherein the ladies just "die" because of his British accent.
Back in the UK, debut single "High" was not that much of a hit, but landed the Top 10 of the Charts after being featured in a Telecommunications commercial. Follow up single "Wisemen" on the other hand, peaked at #44 of the charts.
Though the first two songs were not instantly a hit, James Blunt did not rest until he released sensational single "You're Beautiful" . It initially made noise in the UK, followed by massive airtime exposure both in the US and the UK. The song debuted at #12 while breakout album "Back To Bedlam" under Atlantic Records pushed at #1 of the albums chart.
The song crossed over in the Americas, claiming a position at different charts all over. He took a Top 10 spot in the Adult Contemporary, Adult Top 40, Adult Alternative, whereas the song climbed up to No. 1 of the Hot 100. Despite his lavish style and appealing boyish looks, James Blunt and his success did not please everyone. Some critics say that he's more of a commercial success that a talented singer-songwriter. His hit single "You're Beautiful" received extremely massive airtime that listeners literally gave up listening to it.
All people have vast interests and fascination. Though not all the masses appreciate the distinctive style of dark imagery, explicit lyrics and symbolism, only James Blunt can honestly give himself to the listeners.
Awards & Certifications
MTV
- MTV Europe Music Awards, 2005 - "Best New Act"
- MTV Video Music Awards, 2006 - "Best Male Video", "Best Cinematography"
- MTV Australia Video Music Awards, 2006 - "Song Of The Year" for the song "You're Beautiful"
Other Awards
- Brit Awards, 2006 - "Best Pop Act", "Best Male"
- Q Awards, 2005 - "Best New Act"
- Digital Music Awards, 2005 - "Best Pop Act"
- NRJ Music Awards (France), 2006 - "Best International Newcomer"
- ECHO Awards (Germany), 2006 - "Best International Newcomer"
- NME Awards, 2006 - "Worst Album"
- Ivor Novello Awards, 2006 - "Most Performed Work", "International Hit of the Year"
Chart Toppers
| Year | Title | AUS | UK | US | Ireland | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-06 | "High" | 42 | 16 | 100 | 18 | Back To Bedlam |
| 2005-06 | "Wisemen" | 11 | 23 | - | 36 | Back To Bedlam |
| 2005 | "You're Beautiful" | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Back To Bedlam |
| 2005 | "Goodbye My Lover" | 3 | 9 | 66 | 13 | Back To Bedlam |
News
"Funerals seek James Blunt"
Two funerals of high profile personalities in the UK have chosen James Blunt's hit song "Goodbye My Lover" to accompany them in their meeting with the Creator. This new British singer has truly been a popular artist, both those who are breathing and to those 6-feet under!
Another poll in the UK have concluded that another song from the said artist have ousted Robbie Williams' "Angels" as the favorite song in wedding ceremonies. It might be that it has the same amount of passion as classic hit "She", or its just that James Blunt has truly became popular so fast.
With his fame, however, comes those who oppose his music as he was quoted as "Most Irritating" in the UK.
Tours & Concerts
Announcements
Expect a new album to be released this coming 2007!
Discography
Albums
| Album | Information |
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
|
Singles
| Year | Title | Labels |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "High" | Atlantic Records |
| 2004 | "Sugar Coated" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "Wisemen" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "No Bravery (Live)" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "You're Beautiful" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "Fall At Your Feet" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "High" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "In A Little While" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "Goodbye My Lover" | Atlantic Records |
| 2005 | "Close Your Eyes" | Atlantic Records |
Other artists
Similar artists
Contemporaries
Trivia
- He wrote the song "No Bravery" while he was on call in Kosovo.
- "Goodbye My Lover" was recorded in his slightly insane landlady's bathroom where the piano was kept.
- Some critics say that James Blunt is a few years older than what he claims his age to be.
- His songs were not only a chart hit s but also became popular themes for various occasions as well; "You're Beautiful" became a wedding favourite in the UK, while "Goodbye My Lover" is a commonly used funeral lament.
Reviews
- James Blunt separates himself from most of the artists nowadays by means of his explicitly honest lyrics and vocal power. He is also a good songwriter as he writes his own songs despite his location. Overall, James Blunt is an intelligent singer that has transparently sings his songs, and as a result, the listeners like him. -- vheliefish
External Links
Categories: Artist | Pop | Alternative
