Paolo Nutini got a lucky break when David Sneddon was delayed at the start of a performance in 2003 and Nutini won a spot to sing a few numbers. His ongoing success, however, is not just dumb luck, but is a result of his enduring and ever-growing talent.
After five years of touring, writing, collaborating, and developing his sound, Paulo Nutini has created another carefully crafted album in Caustic Love that beautifully blends soul, blues, country and folk whilst maintaining a modern sound. He made quite an impact on the music scene, at the tender age of 19, with his 2006 debut album These Streets, followed in 2009 by his multi-award winning second album Sunny Side Up, his latest album has been hotly anticipated.
The opening track, “Scream (Funk My Life Up)”, was released prior to the album to build some momentum for the album. It was a successful stunt, with its funky blues expression, an ode to his dream girl. It’s a catchy, fun, poppy opener to ease you into the album. “Let Me Down Easy” becomes a duet as Nutini integrates a Betty LaVette sample from the 1969 version. Ruminating on love and relationships this album moves through various musings including the challenges of commitment on mellow rhythm’n’blues track “Numpty”.
Obviously influenced by, and tipping his hat to, artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, “Better Man” demonstrates this with beautiful simplicity and raw emotion, also showcasing the great talent of the musicians supporting him. “One Day” is a laid back, wistful, melancholic and soulful song that beautifully demonstrates the depth that Nutini has reached in the last 5 years.
Another little tribute track is “Fashion” which borrows its main groove from one of the best, David Bowie, but that is where the similarity ends. As soon as Nutini’s vocals begin you are transported back to his world, this time one of grungy, dirty, funk. It is clear as you progress through this soulful journey of an album that Nutini has found a meandering but connected thoroughfare through Caustic Love which is a distinct advancement on his catchy mashed up style of Sunny Side Up.
The centrepiece to this album is the six-minute track “Iron Sky” which is an anthem to freedom and expression, almost as the whole album is. With its preaching vocals matched with a sample of Charlie Chaplin’s rousing speech from The Great Dictator, propelling rhythm section, tremolo guitar, operatic backing vocals and immense sense of passion – the track begs action and thought. Music that moves, inspires and compels.
This album easily trips from country to blue-grass to soul, and Nutini goes right to the heart of funk with the track Diana. Here he hearkens to the likes of Maxwell and Eric Benet. A nice easy track after the intensity of “Iron Sky”. Mellow and smooth with a hint of seduction.
Before we reach the end of this sumptuous album there are another two seriously long tracks that are all about the journey. Not made for radio play but for the listener, “Looking For Something” transports you to a small dark intimate music venue, somewhere on the outskirts of London, where you get lost in this funky blues search for something. “Cherry Blossom” lightens the mood with its steady groove and more up-beat feel, whilst still providing another six minute journey into Nutini’s mind.
Maybe knowing the listener will be a little sad to reach the end of this journey, Nutini ends with a very simple, sweet love song, in the 60’s doo-wop style. It is almost as if he is singing to the listener and saying thank you. This track is like an encore at a live concert. A perfect way to end, and then play it all again from the top! This album apparently represents just a tiny portion of the work he has been creating since the last album, and is a stunning way to reintroduce himself after his little hiatus. Here’s hoping we get more, soon, without another five year wait (please).
Review Score: 8.5 out of 10
Caustic Love is released on April 18th through Atlantic Records.
