A far cry from his debut album, British breakthrough artist Jake Bugg left behind his home town of Nottingham to work on his second album with the legendary producer Rick Rubin in the exotic Malibu. With his first album being a collection of songs he wrote growing up,it's successor Shangri La was written in a mere few months of this summer during the whirlwind of festivals and sold-out shows throughout Europe and in the US.
The enthusiasm that oozes from those twelve tracks is undeniable, the listener is certainly left toe-tapping, wanting more. The American influences are evident, with tributaries of Country, Soul Jazz and crisp acoustics melting into one another to create a delicious mix that cements Bugg amongst the greats.
Bugg belts "Johnny deals a bit of blow, on the side" during Messed Up Kids, a song depicting the less fortunate who live through deprivation, homelessness and substance abuse. During the introduction of his official music video for What Doesn't Kill You, the singer discussed the fact that no matter where you are in the world, you can't avoid the bad elements of life. Writing about life's hardships only adds to his authentic appeal, and although some may have thought he couldn't have replicated the straining heartbreak of "Broken", "Me and You" is a suitably tear-jerking, arm-swaying replacement.
(above: Rick Rubin with Jake Bugg)
Charmingly subtle, the Clifton singer evolves by adopting slow jazzy tones in "Kitchen Table" that are juxtaposed to his dark lyrics "haunting my future,down on all fours you bark bright/ at the descending moonlight". If he is looking for new fans, "Pine Trees" is a sure-fire winner as natural imagery and folky tones quench the listener's appetite for his mystifying acoustics.
To me, Shangri La sums up what Bugg is feeling inside- his thoughts on his deprived background, the hypocrisy of the world, a sudden fear of the unknown and perhaps even a yearning for the silence of nature. Either way, it's just a compilation of honesty, something that will charm you from the first listen.
I give it: ★★★★★
Watch the making of Shangri La:
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