When relatively unknown English singer George Ezra released his second single, Budapest, no one expected it to reach number three on the official chart, nor did anyone see it selling millions across the world. It’s not undeserved. The song is a wonderful, proper, introduction to the bluesy tones of Ezra and his apparent gift for songwriting. It’s gorgeous from start to finish, from the opening folksy riffs to the heartwarming climax, it wouldn’t go amiss on a Hipster Indie movie soundtrack. Budapest is just one beautiful song from Ezra’s 12 track debut album, Wanted On Voyage.
What’s clear on this album is that Ezra has a distinct, at times incredible, voice. It’s folksy yet bluesy, soulful yet rocky, strong, assertive and often vulnerable. His latest single and album opener Blame It On Me is just as wonderful as his biggest hit and has one of the most memorable hooks in recent memory as he pleads repeatedly “What you waiting for?”. Ezra cites the likes of Bob Dylan as an influence and that influence is obvious on Cassy O’, an uptempo folk track with a superb chorus and an arrangement begging for a live setting.
Unfortunately, not every track on the album is as memorable as the three highlights above. Barcelona doesn’t stand out quite like its compadres, and album closer Spectacular Rival is as experimental as the album gets with a haunting production and vocal echoes but it’s not instantly enjoyable. Then there’s Over The Creek, a song that once it’s given a chance to penetrate your memory is great, but just doesn’t catch on first play.
Ezra’s got an ear for melody and for someone of his age (21) and level of experience this is admirable and remarkable. Listen To The Man has a sweet sentiment throughout and the chorus bounces gently along above the summery production. Similarly, Leaving It Up To You features a simple repetitive chorus, “leaving it up (x4) - leaving it up to you” but with Ezra’s vocals and the folk arrangement it’s nothing but captivating.
Wanted On Voyage is a solid debut album from Ezra. His voice shines throughout and his passion for his craft is apparent in every performance. You’ve only got to listen to the outstanding Did You Hear The Rain?, a song that merges folk, blues and a gospel vibe seamlessly to understand how talented this young man is. Although not perfect, the album only falters a couple of times, not once because of quality but because the standards set by some of the album’s best tracks overshadow. If you’re looking to add a new male vocalist to your collection, you won’t find a voice more authentic and likable than this one.
4 / 5
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