Album of the week: George Ezra "Staying At Tamara's"
23/03/2018
written by Christoph Soltmannowski
His hit "Budapest" from 2013 is still being played - but only now is there a new album from George Ezra. It was worth the wait. The young blonde with the deep voice packs energy into the tracks, which the frequent traveler drew from various "places of power" - including Tamara in Barcelona. Hence the album title "Staying At Tamara's".
The artist
The British teacher's son will only be 25 on June 6. He was already playing in a cover band at the age of 13 - and things took off in2014: the young blonde with the deep voice landed a huge hit almost overnight with his catchy tune "Budapest". After an initial European tour, his debut album "Wanted On Voyage" also topped the charts in many countries and went platinum.
George Ezra has also been running his own podcast for some time now, in which he talks to artists such as Ed Sheeran and Rag'n'Bone Man Rory: http://smarturl.it/EzraFriends
The new album
After three years of radio silence, the track "Don't Matter Now" was released in June 2017 and then the single "Paradise" in mid-January - both songs can also be found on the new album "Staying At Tamara's". The new songs are in no way inferior to the already familiar tracks in terms of quality and character. The traveling troubadour shows that he can also be quite rocky from time to time.
George Ezra's second studio album "Staying at Tamara's"(released on 23.3.2018)
The artist about the album
"I had to get my feelings in order. That's why I disappeared to Barcelona for a month," says George Ezra. He stayed there in an uncomplicated Airbnb-style apartment with a certain Tamara - hence the album title "Staying At Tamara's". This Tamara didn't even know that she was hosting a famous musician - but even when she found out about the 365 million streams of "Budapest" on YouTube, she only said: "I knew I knew you from somewhere", and then remained cool and chummy.
Eventually, George returned to the UK with the new songs in his luggage. "I always need a place for a song," says George about the creation process. Back in the UK, he therefore went on a few more short composition trips. These included a pig farm in Norfolk, a former cornmeal shed in Kent and a converted cowshed in North Wales. Ex-Athlete singer Joel Pott, who has been George's songwriting partner for some time, joined him on the last trip.
Recommended tracks
Pretty Shining People
Be brave, be happy - this Britpop-like song sweeps you away with its chorus and opens an album that continues in a cheerful and euphoric vein.
Shotgun
A catchy melody and a catchy rhythm qualify this song for the soundtrack to spring, which is just around the corner. A spirit of optimism in music form.
Paradise
Has already been released as a single. There is a lot of rocking out. And there's some boxing in the video:
Only a Human
Here things become a little more thoughtful and profound. George Ezra also manages this without seeming artificial. The content is very close to Rag 'n' Bone Man's hit "Human" - but nobody should say it's plagiarized. George treats the subject quite differently.
The verdict
Relaxed folk-pop by a young man in search of happiness and his place in the world. Singer-songwriters are a dime a dozen, only a few really stand out. George Ezra shows how it's done: staying authentic and never losing touch with reality. But with his characteristically charismatic voice, George Ezra does stand out! Conclusion: It was worth taking a few years to make the album. The songs have energy, seem genuine and honest. And full of joie de vivre. It's fun - and is sure to be well received.
George Ezra live
On Saturday, July 7, George Ezra will be coming to Stars of Sounds in Murten, where he will be performing with Bligg and Inner Circle on the same evening.
