This is the twelfth in a 13 post long series about my favorite artists and their best music. To check out my previous entry on this series, click here.
In a near first place finish, UK's own Jazz-Pop King, Jamie Cullum cracks our list by mixing straight jazz with pop, R&B, funk and an assortment of genres, to create a blend that is at times fun, downtrodden, intriguing, inviting, and even a little uncanny. While he hasn't made much noise recently (save for a solid release in 2013), his string of successes in the Aughts keeps him from being untouched at second on my list.
Favorite Artists of All Time Series
Jamie Cullum
Ranking: #2
Genre: Jazz-Pop
SUB: Swing - Jazz Fusion - Pop-Rock - Vocal Jazz
Best Song: Get Your Way
How did Jamie Cullum edge out The Beatles for second on my prestigious podium? Honestly it really was a coin toss, or in this case, whatever I felt was right in my gut regardless of "reasoning."
Jamie Cullum is a mix of clever jazz covers and ingenious futuristic creations, delivering a nice cocktail mix of sounds and compositions. Older releases like Twentysomething are the pinnacle of classic jazz Jamie Cullum, while later releases like Momentum are Cullum in exploration mode, evolving what the term "jazz" truly means to 21st century listeners and writers. The Pursuit, released in 2009, is a combination of both ends of the spectrum, acting as one of my favorite records ever to date. Cullum's music has a range that taps into any mood I'm in, from chaotic, upbeat, and giddy, to moody, melancholic, and morose. Cullum somehow manages to mesh an act of class with edgy material and doesn't lose his identity as an innovative artist who's musical background is deeply rooted in "classic" jazz but pushes the rules of what it's supposed to be. He acknowledges the greatness of past jazz eras but explores the possibilities of the genre and music as a whole simultaneously.
Because Cullum isn't your typically clear, cut and dry jazz artist, he isn't always the easiest musician to swallow. I get that. I absolutely HATED him growing up as a kid. The older siblings loved country, Jamie Cullum, Michael Bublé, and an assortment of other miscellaneous artists. I hated all of them. Ten plus years later? I love them all - sans country (lol). Hopefully it won't take ten years for some of you to learn to enjoy Jamie. And if the "jazz" word scares you, don't let it. Albums like Momentum and lots of The Pursuit are so heavily influenced by a number of genres, you'd never guess he's technically jazz.
I love music with a passion, but more than that, great music that has fused emotion and memories with those songs and melodies hold greater meaning. Cullum's Twentysomething and The Pursuit aren't just great records, they both mean something to me (especially the latter) and whisk me back to certain times and places that very few other songs and artists have done for me. It's a nostalgic sound that his music creates, inviting me to get away from life for a little while, and it's this nostalgic sound that helps clinch his place, in my mind, as one of greatest artists.
Oh, and don't get me started on his RIDICULOUS piano solos that are prevalent in his music, being unique and mind blowing every time.
Jamie Cullum blends moods, genres, and eras, creating a fresh and innovative sense of artistry in the process.
As with the other artists, here are my personal favs from this UK born and bred Jazz King (and a Spotify playlist for your liking).
12. Mind Trick - Catching Tales
A song about moving on from a failed relationship. Relatable as ever and catchy. Not hard to see why I've heard this song in grocery stores all over.
11. Sad, Sad World - Momentum
Somber with a distorted sound to underscore the content of the song, Cullum begs the listener to do whatever is possible in putting a "smile on this sad, sad world."
10. My Yard - Catching Tales
A laid back guitar strumming with confidence as Jamie invites his person of interest to take a stroll to his place is the focal point of this track from Cullum's fourth release. It almost has a tinge of New York City to it - by that I mean with the lyrics and it's style of cool jazz, I can't imagine this story taking place anywhere else but there. And I love that. It's also catchy and has the perfect amount of pop to get even the most uninterested listener digging this song.
9. You And Me Are Gone - The Pursuit
This song is chaotic as...well...something. I love it. Crazy, hectic, and mind jumbling, Jamie lets loose his inner man, letting his howls fly and his fingers run rampant on the keyboard, making for one of the most enjoyable experiences and one of his best piano solos to date.
8. Everlasting Love (cover) - Twentysomething
This light and loving cover is unique and acts as a great change of pace on his live Twentysomething album. You'll feel the love and romance oozing out of his voice as he yearns to be with his one and only.
7. These Are The Days - Twentysomething
On a long drive? Put this track on. It's perfect for evening drives as Cullum reminisces of good times and past loves and losses but is happy with where he is. It's got a great melody that will easily lift your spirits.
6. Twentysomething - Twentysomething
This song is blunt and honest. Anyone in their twenties will understand Cullum's frustration on what to do with his life. He's gone to school yet seemingly for nothing. As he goes through every option, crossing each one of the list, he pessimistically gives his thoughts on life. It's just plain cool, and like the man said, "I don't want to get up just let me lie in, leave me alone I'm a twentysomething."
...except I'm totally 19 but ya know...
5. Not While I'm Around (cover) - The Pursuit
Freaking love this take on the Sweeny Todd classic. The piano is used just right to help support Jamie's low ranged voice, together they create a melodic and magical sound, giving comfort when you're alone.
4. Move On Song - The Pursuit *deluxe ONLY*
This song is genius. Cullum, on his awesome sounding organ/ electric keys, expresses his relief, anguish, and overall need to move on from his past relationship. It's got amazing lyrics, metaphors and gives a vibe that I can't describe very well. Sadly this song is only available if you *buy* the deluxe album on iTunes. That said, The Pursuit is one of my favorite albums of all time, so definitely recommend purchasing it.
3. If I Ruled The World (cover) - The Pursuit
Euphoric and transcendent. If I Ruled The World used to be first on my list. Still, third is pretty good. This song dominated my ears on my daily walks from December 2013 to April 2014. I'd sing it at the top of my lungs not caring who heard. I dreamed that my world could look like this one (well sorta...pure unification is both unlikely and in some ways boring in my opinion but that's a topic for another time). And the entire final 1 min and 40 plus seconds are just awesome. Purely awesome.
2. Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down - The Pursuit
When I think confident, chill, and idealistic - this is the one. A beautiful and reassuring piece, Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down is also great for long trips, acting as a rare song that I can play on repeat. It's just great. Please listen asap.
1. Get Your Way - Catching Tales
Slick. Confident. Bold. Sexy. Strategic.
This is the song that I show my friends first when introducing Jamie Cullum. Even if you don't dig him as an artist, I guarantee you'll dig this tune. It's got a great opening that immediately hooks you as Jamie sings about the chess match between himself and his date, as each tries to outwit the other.
Agree? Disagree? Bit a both? Let me know your thoughts and check out other content on my site!
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