Ezra continues happy-go-lucky theme of Budapest and Barcelona whilst also managing to broaden horizons

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Fans have waited four long years for George Ezra to release new work since his hit debut album ‘Wanted On Voyage’. After several months of teasing, dating back to festival appearances in the summer of 2017 that then built up to various singles being released over the past few months, we finally have a 2nd album.

Ezra has explained that the album was inspired and written after he decided to go to Barcelona and stay with a stranger for a period of time – that stranger being Tamara. The result is a collection of travel inspired songs that all offer something different yet all blend together perfectly.

Ezra shows his ability to craft a pop song with the call and response style of single ‘Paradise’ but also shows off new skills in 50s inspired baritone ballad ‘All My Love’. Slow burner ‘Hold My Girl’ shows the ever growing maturity of the 24-year-old as a songwriter where as the beauty of ‘Sugarcoat’ tells the story of a dreamy trip to South Africa.

Piano infused ballad ‘Only Human’ just further reinforces Ezra’s obvious diversity and musical understanding. His low crooning voice as he sings ‘You can’t blame yourself you are just human’ hits a nerve.





With the release of stylised anthem ‘Don’t Matter Now’, that could be described as mainstream pop, fans may have been expecting Ezra to fully remove himself from his indie, bluesy roots. Although songs like ‘The Beautiful Dream’ have an almost soppy, Ed Sheeran like undertone, “Staying At Tamara’s” fortifies George Ezra as a great British songwriter, sustains elements of his early style, whilst still managing to include songs that would be welcomed at any summer festival.

Single ‘Pretty Shining People’ sees Ezra anchor a chorus around a build up of darker lyrics: ‘what a terrible time to alive if you’re prone to overthinking’. This world-weary, moody lyric builds up to a resilient chorus where we hear him sing ‘Hey pretty shining people, we’re alright together’. Here Ezra shows he is far more than an idealised troubadour, with important and harsh songwriting.

It is 1am and I have managed to listen to this album twice. The funky riff of ‘Get Away’ is still ringing in my ears as is the almost western tone of ‘Saviour’. The only thing left to do is look ahead to next weekend and his show at The Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

The young musician has most definitely broadened horizons with this album. Despite the odd track sounding almost common at times, his knack of storytelling, truly soothing voice and diverse collection of songs make this album a must-listen.

IS THIS REAL LIFE. More shows sold out and limited tickets left for Wembley. You’re all incredible! ❤️ XXX Get your tickets fast: https://t.co/TxSZvlgz7t pic.twitter.com/zIJ1NAKNR4 — george E Z R A (@george_ezra) March 22, 2018

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