Paolo Nutini Caustic Love Rar Series Of Successful

Paolo Nutini Caustic Love Rar Series Of Successful

It was the first of a series of successful singles from his debut album, with Jenny Dont Be Hasty, Rewind and New Shoes all performing well in the UK Singles Chart.

The album itself, These Streets, also charted well even if it did receive a rather damning one star review from this very site.

While it still failed to convince critics in quite the same way it did the general public, Nutinis second effort suggested he had far more substance than his debut demonstrated, as well as a willingness to push his sound in new directions.

The lengthy period away may have helped add to the intrigue around his return, but he has clearly been spending his time wisely, with Caustic Love Nutinis most consistent and adventurous set of songs yet.

Those unconvinced only need to listen to the undeniably infectious and funky lead single, Scream (Funk My Life Up).

However, despite the song giving an indication of what direction Caustic Love is going in, it is one of the few moments where Nutini embraces his pop side on an album that is less interested in producing disposable, chart-topping singles.

Take slow-burner One Day, for example, which sounds like it could have easily appeared on Back To Black.

It is by far the best thing Nutini has ever done and the centre piece of Caustic Love, with its sweeping strings and swelling brass combining to add weight to his soul-bearing vocals, as he yells: And well rise, over love over hate, through this iron sky thats fast becoming our mind.

The use of Charlie Chaplins speech from The Great Dictator provides even more drama to the closing stages of the song.

Its a world away from the straightforward pop of New Shoes as is the funky, upbeat Fashion, where Janelle Mone provides a slick verse over the chunky hook.

Meanwhile, Looking For Something is much more familiar territory, with Nutinis raspy vocals set off by soaring strings and the nonchalant guitar riff.

Considering we have grown up with him since his debut record, you could say it is his coming-of-age album if you want to be cheesy about it.

The reality is that after the scattergun approach of Sunny Side Up, Caustic Love is the sound of Nutini finally finding his groove and producing a record that lives up to his talent.

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