Chili Peppers - James Blunt
The No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 success of James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” restored much faith to those who feared that straight-ahead pop melodies were a wistful memory on top 40 radio. Follow-up “High” is getting its trial run at triple-A radio. The ballad is similar in tempo and vocal intonation to his striking debut, though pleasingly seasoned with a more robust production imprint and resourceful instrumentation. Thankfully, it works perfectly as a forward step to cement the platinum act’s career. Success is seldom guaranteed for even the most acclaimed new artist when it comes to act two, but Blunt has packed album “Back to Bedlam” with enough memorable songs to go the distance, from twinkling star to lustrous constellation in the pop stratosphere. All systems go. –Billboard
