George Ezra
Folk Rock / Pop
RIYL: James Bay, Passenger, Tom Odell
In the UK, George Ezra is already a legend. The fact that he has not yet become a household name in the USA is perhaps because he is defiantly unconventional. In many ways, Ezra has the prerequisite quirks and eccentricities of a true British artist. First, a unique voice that can swoop to remarkably unexpected lows and second, a canny ability to write nifty little pop songs with hooks that sink themselves deeply into your consciousness. He’s like a modern day Van Morrison, with a wee dash of Elvis, but a mighty pinch that’s a unique sound, all his own.
Ezra’s debut studio album Wanted on Voyage was released in June 2014, quickly reaching number one in the UK and the top ten in seven other countries. It was also the third best-selling album of 2014 in the UK and signaled that although he was only twenty years old, Ezra had the song writing chops to have a career that, like Van Morrison, could possibly last decades. As evidence of his ability to write brilliant songs that are unconventionally brilliant, look no further than his signature song, Budapest.
Ezra is back with a new album and a continuation of his experimentation with pop and balladry. Staying at Tamara’s will be released on 23 March and further showcases his remarkable and developing songwriting prowess, even for a maturing 24-year-old songsmith. For example, the emotionally potent Hold My Girl sees Ezra out-croon Chris Martin before the song builds to a confident and rousing finale. Also, the single Paradise is like a pleasing Lumineers-infused declaration of jubilation.
If you are looking for music that will refresh you, inspire you, and delight you – George Ezra is your man.
By Rob Quicke
