by Jamie Cullum List Price:$18.00 Our Price:$13.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Product Details
Media: Audio CD
Release Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Label: Verve
Average Customer Review: 4 Based on 110 reviews.
Sales Rank: 507
Tracks
1.
It's About Time
2.
But For Now
3.
I Could Have Danced All Night
4.
Next Year Baby
5.
What A Diff'rence A Day Made
6.
Frontin'
7.
High and Dry
8.
Blame It on My Youth
9.
I Get A Kick Out Of You
10.
Singin' In The Rain
11.
Lover, You Should Have Come Over
12.
All at Sea
13.
Wind Cries Mary
14.
Twentysomething
15.
These Are The Days
16.
Frontin'
17.
It's About Time
18.
Singin' In The Rain
19.
What A Diff'rence A Day Made
Editorial Review
English singer-pianist Jamie Cullum comes into view as an already heralded jazz-pop artist, signed to a million-pound contract and riding a CD that's already registered double platinum in the UK. The "jazz" label doesn't hang that comfortably on the 24-year-old Cullum--he's more in the mold of polished lounge swingers like Bobby Darin and Buddy Greco and has more in common with, say, Billy Joel (definitely a "New York State of Mind") than any traditional jazz artist you might mention. An ironist who covers both Cole Porter and Radiohead, he's aware of the contradictions that he embodies. Those contradictions drive the title track as Cullum's lyrics plumb "twentysomething" uncertainties ("Maybe move back home and pay off my loans/Working nine to five answering phones") while moving to a mock-primitive chanted riff that's pure '50s hip. What surprises most is Cullum's emotional and musical range, and the way he combines methods to create depth and complexity. "Blame it on My Youth" is delivered with the heartfelt delicacy of Chet Baker, while his reading of "The Wind Cries Mary" suggests that Jimi Hendrix might have just about invented smooth jazz. "I Could Have Danced All Night" explodes with playful energy and creativity, launched with scat singing over a rhythm pounded out on drums and piano wood. Cullum has energy and talent to burn, plus a postmodern knack for layering idioms that signals a welcome direction for jazz-pop. As "Lover, You Should've Come Over" attests, he can also project an emotional intensity that breaks through the clever arrangements. --Stuart Broomer
Top Customer Reviews
Rating:
5 the leader of the British modern jazz surge
Finally hitting American shops, Jamie Cullum's TWENTYSOMETHING is simply the best release so far in 2004. The original compositions -- penned by Jamie and his brother -- stand up amazingly well next to his unique interpretations of jazz standards and showtune hits. What ultimately catches you most off guard -- and holds you in their grip -- are the subtle covers of Jeff Buckley, Jimi Hendrix, and Radiohead, along with the catchy version of Pharrell's "Frontin'" (a bonus track for Americans that was the B-side of the UK "These Are the Days" single). Cullum's originality and energy are best showcased live; however, these analog recordings (under the classy, masterful production of Stewart Levine) give you an amazing sense of his development as an artist. Compared to "Pointless Nostalgic," Cullum's loosened up from his classical training, proves he's having more fun, and infuses the tracks with more emotion thanks to the scratchy, Van Morrison-esque vocals. When I first got the CD, I thought that it would just be background music for Sunday brunches and dinner parties -- but it's ultimately become the soundtrack for my life over the past three months. And as a side note -- it's always cool when you meet someone and find out that he's a really nice guy in person, and Cullum's appreciation for his fans is truly genuine. Highly, highly recommended for any music lover.
Rating:
5 Excellent Follow-Up Album. Great Job Jamie!
It isn't often that a new artist can follow-up a very successful debut album with an even more popular second effort, but Jamie Cullum has managed to do just that. His latest effort "Twentysomething" is an unusual combination of old and newer covers mixed with some really good original stuff. He handles all this different material with an original style that captures the listener's attention without wearing them out. Since his "Pointless Nostalgic" album it would appear that Jamie has matured into a vital musical force that should become a major player in the world of jazz and pop for many years to come. I can't wait to see what's next!Another contemporary crooner you should checkout is Monte Procopio. His 13-piece band is great and Monte can really swing the standards.
Rating:
1 Not a star
Jamie Cullum is not a star in the UK, he just an overhyped wee boy who has latched on to the resurgence in Jazz. Why does selling a couple of thousand albums make you a star these days?He's not very good. Stop trying to sound like Sinatra, Joel and other talent and go home and feed the fish, please. Did he not pay attention in music class?Why is this type of trash even recorded? Does this boy have nothing better to do with his time, like getting a real job?Go away
Rating:
4 I Don't Know Much About Jazz, But I Know What I Like.
I definitely enjoy Jamie Cullum's "Twentysomething." Many people have blasted it for being too unoriginal, too boring, too "pop" sounding, etc., but the fact remains that this music is fun to listen to. I'd much rather listen to Mr. Cullum's music than Norah Jones or Diana Krall. Cullum runs through standards and originals as if both were his own. He takes songs by artists such as Radiohead and the legendary Jimi Hendrix and puts a spin on them that others wouldn't dare dream of doing. He takes a "no fear" approach to music. Perhaps that is why I enjoy this album so much. While other artists have become media darlings by pawning themselves to the public, Cullum seems to be content with doing his own thing. By being himself, he's captured the attention of millions. He's even played for the Queen. Of the songs contained herein, "Twentysomething" is definitely my favorite. I enjoy "Singin' In The Rain" and "All At Sea." There isn't a bad track on this disc. Many have compared Cullum's sound to Billy Joel, and I can see that comparison, but Cullum is in a league all his own. He's fun to listen to and extremely talented. I highly recommend this one.
Rating:
5 A Fresh New Talent On The Jazz Scene!
Jamie Cullum's newest CD "Twentysomething" really is something. It's something that every music lover should check out. If you give this CD a listen you will discover Jamie's excellent singing, playing, song writing, and how perfect his fresh and innovative approach towards these wonderful songs fits into the contemporary music scene.This album is a tasty mix of excellent new material combined with classic tunes from the past to create a very interesting and enjoyable listening experience. Jamie handles all this different material with an original style that captures the listener's attention without wearing them out. Through brilliant innovation and a truly unique approach to his music, Jamie exposes the listener to a whole new landscape of musical textures, colors, and emotions that challenge and satisfy at the same time. All art forms need artists that are willing to take chances and explore new ground, and Jamie Cullum has set a course to take us listeners to uncharted musical territory. This is one CD you will be playing 30 years from now and it will be as fresh then as it is today. If you enjoy listening to crooners and Big Band Swing, I would also suggest Monte Procopio "Swingin' With Style". His 13-piece band really swings and deserves a listen.
Rating:
5 Jamis Cullum is a great new artist to watch
When i first saw Jamie Cullum on the conan o'brian show i was surprised, and enthrilled, to see a jazz artist that not only sounds GREAT but has a fun live show. At that moment I knew I would have to keep my eyes open for this guy. And im glad i did. Right now im listening to the track "all at Sea" and it is maybe the 10th time since i got the cd..yesterday. I have never been more happy with a cd. His smooth music and lyrics are great to listen too. The remake of the Jimi Hendrix hit, "wind Cries Mary" and the title track "twenty something" are wonderful masterpeices.While this cd isnt your conventional jazz, it still is a great cd to have, a must buy for most fans of jazz, and others.
Rating:
4 ups
The son of former NBA power-forward Moses Malone, Jamie Cullum has more musical flavors then all the teams Mr. Malone played for combined. Cullum dribbles the ivories like Isahia Thomas and the metaphorical police pulling over Thelonious Monk in a red Iroc-7 and ticketing him for impersonating Sammy Haggar circa OU812. A true demon-spark of a little man with a vertical that reaches nearly 40 inches, Mr. Cullum can leap like a lost lemur sleeping one off in a dream. Their is a rumor circulating in Knoxville that Mr. Cullum is gonna give the gold bar bankers a run for their pens. So leap away from Lester and lean in an empty door frame and dream, lean and dream.
Rating:
4 Norah Jones meets Billy Joel
I heard his song "All at Sea" on the radio and bought his CD to check out more of his work. Jamie Cullum is truly an amazing musician. I like to compare him to Gavin DeGraw, another of my favorite piano men. Jamie's a bit more of a lounge singer than Gavin, but their charming melodies and raspy voices are almost impeccably identical. I was never really a big fan of Norah Jones, although she has wonderful talent. However, Jamie Cullum retains the good features of Norah while adding a bit of edginess to smooth it over. The CD is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good listen.
Rating:
1 A shoddy rehash of other's material
I've had the dubious honor of getting to listen to this CD just about daily at my place of employment. I just can't respect it. No artist should have their "breakthrough" album be around 50% covers... and even as far as some of the tracks on here being standard choices to cover (a showtune like "I could have danced all night" for example), there are also plenty of songs written to be a testament to the sole artist's talent... I can't imagine a band as pretentious as radiohead selling their work to anyone, let alone someone who plays mediocre jazz-influenced lounge music. As for Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Buckley (yes, "Lover, you should've come over" was done first by Buckley, and so well you'll understand why this CD is a debauchery just by hearing it), I'd love to know who decided allowing their songs to be rearranged and ruined here would be a fitting tribute to their memories. As for his own compositions (which I can't truly say he has, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt), they don't stay with me... they're just one more generic lounge act buzzing through the speakers, with the same piano, same haphazard lyrical rhythms... they could have been pulled from any CD featuring any member of the rat pack. This music was done best before most of us were born, and Jamie has done nothing to further the genre by my ears. He's only (appropriately given his name) culled songs from across the boards to serve his own fame. You'd be better off buying the original CDs, even with the low price of this album.
Rating:
4 Fresh & Fun, Old & New - A great mix!
I read a review of a performance by Jamie Cullum recently in which the writer mentioned that Cullum's choice of material simply didn't have the complexity to be labeled "jazz". OK. Will someone please tell that to Diana Krall & Brad Mehldau? They tend to mine the same musical waters as Cullum. I guess there's some folks out there who could be described as purists who might also hold this view. I don't. Lack of complexity? Hardly. While there aren't many true solos on "Twentysomething", one can tell from his understated work on "I Get a Kick Our of You" & "Frontin'" that Cullum has the chops. Give the boy time, I'm sure there's some wicked instrumentals in his very near future! I think his best quality is his ability to make standards & more recent songs sound of-a-piece. Radiohead next to Cole Porter? Hendrix along side Lerner & Lowe? Jeff Buckley & Bob Dourough? Eclectic yes, but smart, too. A good song is a good song if it's 50 years old or 5! But I also enjoy his originals & the one by his brother Ben. Jamie's "All At Sea" easily stands up to the standards & is one of the best pop songs I've heard in the last 5 years. A wonderful melody! The more I hear this cd, the more I'm likin' it. He's right alongside the other recent artists who're injecting jazz & other genres in popular music like John Mayer, Nickel Creek, Norah Jones, etc. Great lyrics with chord progressions that haven't been heard on the radio in years. The more the better, I say - & keep it coming!But why only 4 stars? Well, c'mon . . . I gotta give the kid a little room to grow! Can't wait for the next album, Jamie.
Rating:
4 Finally something good
simply stated, its good, very few originals i must say but the originals are outstanding. and the arrangements of classic tunes by other famous artists are excellent. i listened to the whole cd straight through and felt it was a little weak in some areas but makes up for with his jazz/funk fusion he has througout the rest of the album. 4 of 5 stars
Rating:
4 I Don't Know Much About Jazz, But I Know What I Like.
I definitely enjoy Jamie Cullum's "Twentysomething." Many people have blasted it for being too unoriginal, too boring, too "pop" sounding, etc., but the fact remains that this music is fun to listen to. I'd much rather listen to Mr. Cullum's music than Norah Jones or Diana Krall. Cullum runs through standards and originals as if both were his own. He takes songs by artists such as Radiohead and the legendary Jimi Hendrix and puts a spin on them that others wouldn't dare dream of doing. He takes a "no fear" approach to music. Perhaps that is why I enjoy this album so much. While other artists have become media darlings by pawning themselves to the public, Cullum seems to be content with doing his own thing. By being himself, he's captured the attention of millions. He's even played for the Queen. Of the songs contained herein, "Twentysomething" is definitely my favorite. I enjoy "Singin' In The Rain" and "All At Sea." There isn't a bad track on this disc. Many have compared Cullum's sound to Billy Joel, and I can see that comparison, but Cullum is in a league all his own. He's fun to listen to and extremely talented. I highly recommend this one.
Rating:
3 OK but overhyped
I can't claim to be a jazz "fanatic"..it's not a large part of my collection, but I have some jazz and standards in my collection, own the book counterpart to the "Ken Burns Jazz" series, and wish that more people my age (34) and younger had an appreciation for it. Because of that, when I see younger artists doing jazz or even music that hints at it (Norah Jones, Connick Jr., Cullum) I'm rooting for them to be great...someone to carry on the tradition.First the good news...While Cullum isn't doing "jazz" here, it's clear from the arrangements that he has an affinity for it and the tunes are at least jazz "inflected" pop (and I would argue a few tunes are pretty much straight jazz). The bad news..What many are saying about Cullum's voice is true. It's not a particularly elastic instrument and sounds best when he's comfortably in the mid-range. In addition, the young Brit's not the most emotive singer in the world, though that comes with time and at "twenty-something" Cullum could still develop better interpretive skills. The rasp could be viewed as a disadvantage for a crooner, but then again, it may prove to be his mark of "distinction" in an increasingly crowded field of "nouveau" standard singers. HIGHLIGHTS:The loose lope of "These are the Days" is easily the best original here and a good way to kick off the CD. The understated "But for Now" is situated nicely in Cullum's range and he handles it well. "I Could Have Danced All Night" manages the neat trick of making a showtune funky. Who'd-a thunk it? It's a highly percussive track that veers toward world music territory but also incorporates horror movie string stabs, scatting, and a pretty nifty piano solo from Cullum. "Singin' in the Rain" updates the old Gene Kelly chestnut with some Fender Rhodes and a backbeat courtesy of Michael Strange and bongoist Francis Fuster. While the song flirts with the edges of Cullum's range, the notes that are a strain are brief so it doesn't end up sinking it. LOWS:I'm no Radiohead purist but I have to admit that Cullum's muffed notes ruin "High and Dry" for me. It's too bad..the arrangement is really nice. Self-penned "Next Year, Baby" just isn't a good tune. The tempo and tone of Cullum's take on "What a Difference a Day Makes" is puzzlingly melancholy for a lyric that's so obviously joyous. It's a misfire. The high harmonies on "All at Sea" are cringeworthy.BOTTOM LINE:This will probably be anathema to jazz purists...and probably many jazz lovers with appreciation of pop also will be turned off by the clunkers on here. If this accomplishes anything, it will be to get Cullum's name wider recognition among the "twentysomethings" he named the disc after. Hopefully, with more maturing, Cullum will become a great artist and bring new waves of fans to jazz.
Rating:
3 Stick to Originals Next Time
I really liked Jamie Cullum's style of singing and the jazzy feel of the songs, but I didn't enjoy his renditions of Jimi's "The Wind Cries Mary" or of Radiohead's "High and Dry". The Radiohead song is a great one...when sung by Thom Yorke and backed by the geniuses that make up the rest of Radiohead. But hearing Jamie Cullum's voice on those high notes made me cringe. And "The Wind Cries Mary" is just one of those classic songs that only Jimi Hendrix can really sing. Maybe I'm too much of a purist, but I think good things should just be left as they are.Other than that rant, I loved his others songs, like "All at Sea". Very chilled.
Rating:
5 20Something: An Interesting & Enjoyable Listening Experience
Jamie Cullum's newest CD "Twentysomething" really is something. It's something that every music lover should check out. If you give this CD a listen you will discover Jamie's excellent singing, playing, song writing, and how perfect his fresh and innovative approach towards these wonderful songs fits into the contemporary music scene. This album is a tasty mix of excellent new material combined with classic tunes from the past to create a very interesting and enjoyable listening experience. Jamie handles all this different material with an original style that captures the listener's attention without wearing them out. Through brilliant innovation and a truly unique approach to his music, Jamie exposes the listener to a whole new landscape of musical textures, colors, and emotions that challenge and satisfy at the same time. All art forms need artists that are willing to take chances and explore new ground, and Jamie Cullum has set a course to take us listeners to uncharted musical territory. This is one CD you will be playing 30 years from now and it will be as fresh then as it is today. Monte Procopio is another contemporary crooner I would also recommend. He has a more classic voice and style. If you like Sinatra and swing you should give him a listen.
