Album: Once Upon a Mind

Overview
"Once Upon a Mind" is the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter James Blunt, released on October 25, 2019, by Atlantic Records. A culmination of 14 years because his launching album "Back to Bedlam", "Once Upon a Mind" sees Blunt go back to his roots of emotive, wholehearted lyricism and intimate storytelling. The album features the hit single "Cold" and has actually gotten generally beneficial reviews from critics.

Background and production
Following the release of his 2017 album "The Afterlove", Blunt went on tour and found himself reconnecting with his musical identity. Performing older tracks from his extensive brochure influenced him to go back to a comparable noise and feeling in his new music. Blunt dealt with an array of skilled manufacturers and songwriters for "Once Upon a Mind", including Steve Robson, Jimmy Hogarth, and the renowned British electronic duo Mojam.

Album themes and songwriting
"Once Upon a Mind" functions songs that look into styles of love, loss, and individual development. Blunt instills heartfelt emotion into each track, drawing from his own experiences and sensations, which results in a raw and sincere representation of his life. As an outcome, this album might be thought about one of the most personal ones in his discography, as he touches on subjects such as his family, relationships, and personal battles.

Standout tracks consist of "Cold", which deals with the loneliness that can come from being in a long-lasting relationship, and "Monsters", an effective ballad committed to Blunt's dad, who was battling phase 4 kidney disease while James taped the album. "Monsters" showcases Blunt's emotive and fascinating vocal ability, as he sings about letting go and coming to terms with vulnerability. Other significant tunes include "5 Miles", a confident track about finding the strength to keep going, and "I Told You", in which he reviews past relationships and individual development.

Reception
"Once Upon a Mind" received mainly favorable reviews from music critics, who applauded Blunt's go back to his emotional roots and the album's genuine, introspective lyrics. PopMatters praised the album's fresh and cohesive noise, calling it a "enjoyable surprise", while also noting the contributions from talented producers and songwriters. Clash Magazine noted that the release was "a solid addition to Blunt's catalog" and applauded the raw feeling in his songwriting, although they also said on the periodic over-production in a few of the tracks.

Commercially, the album was a moderate success. It debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart, matching the peak position of his previous record "The Afterlove". "Once Upon a Mind" also earned appreciation from fans, who valued the return to Blunt's authentic and moving storytelling that initially gained him success and popularity.

Conclusion
"Once Upon a Mind" showcases the distinct qualities that have made James Blunt a long-lasting skill in the music market for the previous 15 years. The sincerity, vulnerability, and raw emotion ingrained within each of the album's tracks offer a refreshingly authentic listening experience. By returning to his roots and advising audiences of his songwriting expertise and emotive vocal capability, Blunt has produced an unforgettable collection of songs that show his growth as an artist.