Paolo Nutini's soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics can easily give the false impression of veteran status and a life of experience, but he's actually just warming up.
This newcomer's new album, "Live Sessions," is a compilation of four select songs from the release "These Streets," that has been released on Atlantic Records to introduce the U.S to this talented Scotsman. The full album has already gone gold in England.
Nutini's smooth yet raspy vocals make it easy to think that he could be mistaken for James Blunt, or even Rod Stewart. Surprisingly, the 19-year-old has had no formal vocal training.
His experience in the music industry began when he was a roadie for a friend's band. After making a few on-stage guest appearances, Nutini decided to make the drastic choice to drop out of school in order to pursue a career in music.
The song "These Streets" documents this decision as an autobiographical account and talks about adjusting to the move from a small town in Scotland to London.
Writing from experience, the only detriment to this album is Nutini's apparent position as an experienced lover at such a young age. He writes about a love affair with an older woman in "Jenny Don't Be Hasty."
Between a catchy tempo and melody, along with his dirty, laid-back vocal style, the dubious nature of his songwriting is easily excused.
"Last Request" is the ode to a breakup, a fixture in any autobiographical album. However, Nutini's longing is felt through his singing, with a grittiness and need that doesn't feel superficial.
Not to be mistaken for just another hopeless, lovelorn songwriter, Nutini momentarily lifts the mood with "New Shoes."
This upbeat track is the most pop-like of the bunch. "New Shoes" is the song to blast in the car on a carefree, sunny day, after getting over that once gut-wrenching breakup.
To be released in early 2007, "These Streets" can be the road on which Paolo Nutini finds success as an artist.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
