Rag’n’Bone Man – Human (Columbia)
Genre – Blues
Rag’n’Bone Man first came to the attention of RUSHONROCK around this time last year, as a fast rising blues singer with huge potential.
Fast forward a year, and he’s selling out venues and his single Human is never off the airwaves. To put it simply, there is no stopping this guy.
Brighton born singer Rory Graham (Rag’n’Bone Man) does not look like a pop star. He looks like he should be fronting an in your face nu-metal act. And that’s why we like him.
This is a guy with immense talent. He is one of the best soul singers to come along in the last ten years. And, he’s broken the charts. He’s smashed the manufactured pop around him and put some blues onto the radio.
With the attention he’s got in recent months, it may seem cool not to like him. And that’s understandable – it’s the rock and roll attitude in you. But, the truth is, this album is a showstopper from a man who’s worked his way up playing blues clubs all over the country.
From the aforementioned opener Human to closing track Die Easy it’s awash with a mixture of songs that will push the blues genre forward and open it up to a whole new set of fans.
Rag’n’Bone Man displays a talent to vary the tempo and seemingly control things with his incredible vocal range – a range that sounds full of torment, full of passion and full of blues soul.
This is no more prominent than in the awe inspiring Love You Any Less. This keys led track is slow and intimate, with exposed vocals searching for solitude.
In the same fashion, Grace searches for peace with ‘Redemption doesn’t fall down at your feet.’ This uplifting number is filled with raspy, intimate vocals that bring in into the soul of Rag’n’Bone Man.
Ego and Arrow, two tracks towards the end of the album, shatter the slower vibes of Human, and mix pop vocals, rap and deep, raw, aggressive blues vocals to show the supreme control this blues man has with his incredible voice.
Human may not be your typical blues album, but there’s so much soul in this, you’re likely to be hooked. Rory Graham’s talent is immeasurable and this release is likely to be just the beginning of a career that will be full of accolades.
RUSHONROCK RATED – 8/10 Baby I know my gospel, but I ain’t a preacher!
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