Sensitive soul man Tom Grennan is back with a new album, and a brand new sound. Everybody dance now…

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TOM GRENNAN: Everywhere I Went, Led Me To Where I Didn’t Want To Be (Insanity)

Verdict: Soul boy goes pop

Tom Grennan initially gained fame as a soul singer who candidly expressed his deepest emotions through songs, reminiscent of a boy living next door. However, he appears eager to rewrite the story with his fourth album. He describes it as an upbeat record meant to inspire dancing and singing among listeners, despite its somewhat tricky title.

In simpler terms, he had expressed something similar prior to his hit album, “What Ifs & Maybes,” in 2023, but this time his statement seems more accurate or on point.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I find myself embodying the energy and style of legendary artists like Freddie Mercury, George Michael, and Robbie Williams. Without inhibition, I weave through the decades, bridging the gaps between ’70s glamour, ’80s funk, and ’90s pop in a passionate whirlwind that showcases grand, lively compositions. This album boasts a total of 15 tracks, with the first slow ballad gracing us only on track 13.

A young, talented football player who used to play for Luton Town but later switched to music, Grennan previously suggested a more pop-oriented style.

In 2021, he teamed up with Calvin Harris and Ella Henderson, yet nowhere has his optimism and exuberance been more evident than in this release. Five tracks from Everywhere I Went… were jointly penned with Justin Tranter, an American songwriting maestro known for his work on Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe!, a BRIT-winning smash that ranked high in numerous 2024 best-of lists.

On Celebrate, he shares that he’s got a fresh new sound and plans to make it heard loud and clear. This joyful funk tune was collaboratively written by Harley Sulè from the rap duo Rizzle Kicks. Grennan reveals that the somewhat cumbersome album title reflects his personal struggles with mental health, but the general vibe is far from somber. Instead, the focus lies on his determination to conquer his inner battles.

He expresses that every day he’s dedicating time for self-improvement, as indicated on Shadowboxing with a catchy ska beat. On Boys Don’t Cry, a song reminiscent of Tears For Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World but not the classic Cure single, he advocates for men to be more open about their feelings. He croons, ‘I can’t understand why I’ve been holding back my tears.’

The continuous encouragement can occasionally feel forced, as he urges us with enthusiasm on the Bruno Mars-style track “Certified,” saying, “Crank it up, and don’t slow down.

In a brighter light, Cinnamon delivers a vibrant performance of glam-rock energy, and in “Shadows On The Ceiling,” he showcases a high, powerful, and impressive vocal range.

The album’s more relaxing tracks, when they eventually come along, are well worth the anticipation. ‘Drama Queen’ exhibits a powerful ballad style, while ‘I Won’t Miss A Thing’ offers a contemplative perspective on a relationship coming to an end. He vows, “As time goes by, I’ll always have you with me.

He might want his fans to sing and dance, but Grennan hasn’t forgotten his sensitive side.

Kick-off for Tom Grennan’s UK tour begins at the Bournemouth International Centre on September 3, as per ticketmaster.co.uk.

 

ALISON GOLDFRAPP: Flux (AG Records)

Verdict: Dance queen mellows out

In the early 2000s, Alison Goldfrapp, along with her musical partner Will Gregory, was instrumental in reviving the electronic dance scene. Their influence extended to artists like Madonna, Kylie, and Girls Aloud. As Goldfrapp, the duo released seven albums together before deciding to take a break in 2022, wrapping up their tour with performances at St. Anne’s Park in Dublin and Lytham Festival.

They haven’t given any hint about reuniting musically, but Alison points out that ‘never say never.’ Instead, they’ve been focusing on their individual musical ventures.

In 2023, Alison’s first release titled “The Love Invention” landed in the Top Ten charts. This music piece skillfully blended house and disco genres and was sung with infectious enthusiasm, further cementing her reputation as a reigning queen of the club scene. Earlier this year, she wrapped up an arena tour accompanying the reunion of Scissor Sisters.

In her second solo album titled “Flux,” she revisits familiar terrain but infuses it with clever modifications. Joining her once again are pop producer Richard X and electronic artist James Greenwood, along with a fresh face – Swedish synth-pop prodigy Stefan Storm. As a result, the collection offers a dreamy series of songs that are more introspective and less direct compared to “The Love Invention.

The opening of Flux is powerful. The fusion of yearning and sorrow is accentuated by the sparkling synthesizers reminiscent of Euro-disco. Alison’s vocals express a desire to return to a previous state: ‘All night, all summer long, I’ve been trying to get back to where I started from.’

In a more conversational style, we could say: The enigmatic green bands of the Northern Lights, often compared to ’emerald ribbons,’ symbolize an unpredictable partner in the poem “On Sound & Light.” Desperately, she longs for love to seek her out, expressing her plea as, “All I ask is for love to find me.

The album, adorned with starry motifs, resonates with a rapid, melodious hum from her. On the track ‘Find Xanadu’, she promises to sing as if under a lavender-hued moon, while ‘Strange Things Happen’ finds her teetering on the brink, challenging the stars to descend.

Although Flux has an attractive futuristic charm, it doesn’t quite capture the extravagant sparkle that characterizes Goldfrapp at its peak. Notably, Goldfrapp once performed with a dance group wearing horse-like heads made of silver.

Flux may have a space-age appeal, but it doesn’t match the unbridled dazzle that Goldfrapp is known for. At one point, Goldfrapp even toured with dancers wearing silver equine masks.

Perhaps, after 25 years spinning under the disco ball, Alison seems to yearn for a break. As she croons in Play It (Shine Like A Nova Star), sometimes things happen… and they can take time. The song’s disjointed rhythms and synthetic tones hint that her journey back to her previous dance-infused greatness could be imminent.

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2025-08-14 20:37