Rank: 5/5
The Earth may revolve around the sun, but you’ll revolve your music taste around John Newman after his new album.
Newman released his new album “Revolve” on Oct. 16 and the amount of work put into this album is shown immediately.
The title “Revolve” is a direct theme throughout the album. As it starts, there is a prelude by Idris Elba which speaks about the human race and how we exist.
“We live through our own cycles, we live our lives through pattern and cycle,” Elba speaks in the prelude “Revolve”. Using the last note from the prelude to continue into the first song “All My Heart”.
Keeping up with his original sound, the songs change seamlessly through the album as the 50s style star sings about his experiences.
“Lights Down” is one of his most upbeat songs on the album, creating a harmonious mixture of a horn line and club sound.
The album seems to be driven by influences of love and individual thoughts. As the theme is constant, the album is far from repetitive.
“Our love is just a tiring game, I will never want a thing to change,” lyrics from the song “Tiring Game” featuring Charlie Wilson. Newman’s emphasis on slowing down during the album plays a role in the easy transition into a sad story of the give and take of a relationship.
The album consists of 11 songs and three extra tracks in the “Revolve (Deluxe Edition).” The deluxe album includes the hit song “Blame” featuring Calvin Harris, which was originally released with Harris’ album.
Instead of the artist tagging on the three extra songs at the end of the deluxe album, he works them into the story of the album to keep the fluency.
As the album ends, it almost feels like a movie ending. The music was high and happy with a real undertone. Newman keeps his 50s style, but adds a quicker rhythm to end on a high note.
As the intricate horn lines and chorus sounds bring you through the album, it’s a story to easily follow along with. Newman and his team put a large amount of work into this album and it shows from beginning to end.