Review: John Newman – Tribute

Following up a debut single always runs the risk of being a bigger disappointment than getting an offer from Deborah Meaden in the Dragon’s Den. This is especially true when you’re dealing with an anthem as big as John Newman’s ‘Love Me Again’ – which hit number 1 in iTunes charts across a piece-of-cake 16 countries. And, to the joy of his fans, it can be said that his second single ‘Cheating’ is no doubt another step in the right direction.

If you did somehow manage to escape the phenomenon that is Newman’s debut, then: 1.Where have you been? In a hole somewhere? And, 2. You probably have already unknowingly heard his attitude-laden vocals in the form of an adrenaline-pumping Rudimental collaboration (‘Feel the Love’).

Newman aptly titled the album Tribute in order to pay homage to all of those who inspired and helped him during life prior to the new album; the good, the bad and the ugly, that is. And, this prevails in the tracks; it’s an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. Tribute comprises a mix of retro-vibe upbeat tracks intertwined with some more delicate down-tempo ballads, showcasing Newman’s versatility as both a singer and a songwriter. Songs such as ‘Easy’ and ‘Out of My Head’ make it obvious that this dude isn’t afraid to admit that he’s in touch with his emotions. Admittedly, the album most prominently shines through its more spritely snippets.

Snooping through the Yorkshireman’s official YouTube channel, you’ll find a behind-the-scenes sneak peak video for the making of his album. It’s reassuring to see that there are “Top 40s” artists out there in this day and age getting their tracks properly recorded and produced in an era where dodgy, synthetic midi sounds seem to have seeped into the musical cracks of bad pop music.

Newman has managed to take his emotions from a messy break-up, fuse it together with his Motown and rock influences, and channel them to create sounds crafted for the greater good of our society to enjoy – which possibly even triumphs hopeless romantic peers such as Adele, as somehow you can actually get crunk, and even hesitantly twerk it out to half of the heartbreak songs on the on the album. How does that work? Newman, I take my hat off to you, dear sir!

– George Palmer

John Newman’s streaming his debut album, Tribute, in full here.