Review Summary: Young, fresh and very talented...
In recent years, it’s fair to say that music has reached an all time low: from the ear destroying squeal of dubstep, to the masses of perfect haired, pre-pubescent, talentless boy bands. Popular music has reached such a creative low that I find it physically painful to turn on the radio. Increasingly, however, over the last year, acoustic folksy music has served as a beacon of hope. Artists such as Ben Howard and Ed Sheeran have both had moderate chart success, not to mention Mumford and Sons latest album breaking records left right and centre. And that brings me to the newest recruit in the “folk revolution”, young Jake Bugg from Nottingham.
Truth be told, there’s not much original about this album. Bugg consistently borrows from his influences from the past, especially Bob Dylan, but he does bring his own British-like swagger into the equation. However, despite not being particularly original, Jake Bugg’s debut is an extremely enjoyable listen, with well constructed songs musically and lyrically throughout.
Bugg shines on the faster tracks, such as the infinitely catchy single Lightning Bolt, but he still keeps our attention during the several slower tracks on the album. One of the reasons you’ll be entertained throughout the whole album is that the songs are for the most part very short, the longest being the Ballad of Mr. Jones (which is also the least exciting song on the album) at just over 4 minutes, and the shortest being Fire, clocking in at less than 2.
Through the songs, Jake Bugg takes us on a journey through his upbringing, from taking pills in a car park (Seen it All) to being stuck in “speed bump city” thinking about getting out (Trouble Town). All in all, despite not yet being the fully fledged talent he could be, Jake Bugg is certainly a prospect for the future, and although he doesn’t bring anything new to the table he has definitely written a debut to remember. Believe it or not, Bugg’s outdated sound sounds almost fresh in comparison to most of the rubbish being released nowadays.
