Review: Paolo Nutini (1/2): These Streets

These Streets - Paolo Nutini (2006)

Paolo Nutini (from hereon Paolo) is a Scot-Italian, whose exterior appearance matches that of a busking student. Like Mr. Blunt, he too has the novelty factor of a voice that has an unusual pitch; thankfully this time, it is down rather than up. Paolo, a 22 year old, sounds like a balding middle-aged man.

Not that that's a bad thing, by the way. It is, to be brief, fucking brilliant. The songs are instantly memorable in a warm, fuzzy kid of way, and imbued with a sort of brief sincerity that matches if not excelling that of dear Blunty. He's also Scottish, and therefore a member of the second-best race of peoples ever.

The album's consistency is brilliant, with excellence throughout. The strained croonings mean that you feel the effort behind every syllable, every efforted word. Particular greats are, "Jenny Don't Be Hasty," "Rewind," "These Streets," and "New Shoes".

Did I mention that the album was triple platinum? While Paolo hasn't had brilliant chart progress, he has been loved by the critics, like myself. Everything he sings is song not only with a passion but a shy humility and charm that makes it an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Brilliant. Simply Brilliant.

Thanks.