John Newman, Revolve - album review

Download: I’m Not Your Man; Come and Get It

John Newman at EXIT (EXIT)

John Newman’s second album opens with a dramatic, string-draped declamation about resilience by Idris Elba, in full Henry V vocal armour.

Heaven knows what it’s got to do with Newman, whose rise has been notably obstacle-free – perhaps overly so, judging by the apparent absence of any exploratory urge here.

Track after track follows the same formula, with Newman’s subdued introductory verse swallowed by a huge, anthemic refrain that never lets up, his voice drowned in a tide of orchestra and chorus, all dialled up to 11. It’s quite frustrating, because the verses of songs like “We All Get Lonely” and “Come and Get It” reveal a pleasingly scorched soul passion to his voice that’s never allowed any other resolution than the air-punching, euphoric chorus.

The piano ballad “I’m Not Your Man” comes closest, its central conflict offering a rare opportunity for Newman to showcase his more intimate, deep-soul delivery.