After years of female singer-songwriters dominating the charts there has been an influx of boys whilst Jamie has been in habitation but he hasn't returned to a crowded market, his sound is still unique with attitude and shed loads of credibility.
Carry On The Grudge is a coming of age record, maturity glares through as it follows on from the youthful sound of Kings and Queens in 2009. He arrived in the mid-noughties 'Thames Beat' scene (was that even a thing!), a healthy dose of jangerly indie pop from Mystery Jets to Larrikin Love, The Holloways and Jack Penate who dipped their toes into the charts, they'd struggle to reach the top 40 nowadays, never mind the top 10. Jamie wasn't just a Libertines fan who could write a chorus, his middle class roots mixed with working class ethos and the ability to write poignant lyrics saw him sit comfortable with the likes of Adele, Alex Turner and Mike Skinner as a songwriter.
Break-through hit Shelia is still an anthem and debut album Panic Prevention stands the test of time but is the Wimbledon lad still relevant in a world where the singer-songwriters are chart topping pop stars? His fan base seem to think so as they snapped up tickets for his comeback tour in a matter of minutes, well before discovering the tricks hidden up his sleeves on this multi-layered album.
The wait is over. The voice of a generation is back, even if that generation has grown up, graduated, got married, had kids and settled in a career. The singer might be wiser but still disillusioned. Carry On The Grudge is an album of ups-and-downs in both mood an tempo although it is regret and missed opportunities that dominate as Jamie hits quarter life crisis, finding himself on his way to thirty lost and alone, looking back, rather than forward.
He lets out anger in the aggressive Peter, comes to terms with demons in Turn On The Light whilst Love Is Only A Heartbeat Away shows what can be done when things are stripped back to their rawest and he's grasping for hope on The Prophet where lyrics are eloquently pieced together, he's a story teller and you want to listen. Rabbit Hole sums up the years he's been out of the limelight as he dealt with fame, personal and family issues, words are potent, packed with memories. Trouble bounces with a chorus made from lairy lads night out where beer flows and things get messy only for Mary Lee to soundtrack the hangover as it plods along reliving mistakes but Vampire is the clear show-stopper as it oozes with energy, power and a massive hook.
It is good to have Mr T back.