Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

Track Listing
10 /10
Coming up easy
Growing up beside you
Candy
Tricks of the trade
Pencil full of lead
No other way
High Hopes
Chamber Music
Simple Things
Worried Man
Keep Rolling

Fans of Paolo Nutini’s debut album, These Streets might raise an eyebrow or two at this sophomore release. Produced by Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon), Sunny Side Up features an eclectic and "rougher" range of songs that set it somewhat apart from its slick predecessor. Recorded in Ireland, Wales, New York, LA and the UK, Nutini--backed by his band The Vipers--tackles folk, reggae, soul and rock, with varying results. The Motown-esque "Coming Up Easy", the ballad "Worried Man" and the sea-shanty "Growing Up Beside You" are shining examples of Nutini's erudite songwriting skills, as is the charming, Dylan-esque "Tricks Of The Trade". But songs like "Pencil Full Of Lead" and "No Other Way", as well as his forays into reggae-lite and ersatz ragtime are less convincing, often sounding more like sketches than full songs. Whether Sunny Side Up is bravely eclectic or an incoherent disaster depends ultimately on the loyalty--and the patience--of the listener. 

Feel-good doesn't come close to describing this album 
Buying this album on the strength of the single "Candy" alone I wasn't sure what to expect. I was familiar with and liked Paolo's previous singles but was worried "Candy" would be the only standout song. What greeted my ears when I pressed play was glorious. The first tracks instantly reminded me of 60's motown songs like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" in terms of the songwriting, instrumentation and quality of the recording. It didn't stop there and the album continued to delight with songs like "Pencil Full of Lead" and "High Hopes". I read one of the one star reviews which criticised "Pencil Full of Lead" for sounding like something from the Jungle Book. I completely agree, but that's exactly the reason why I love the song, and for the record I think the Bear Necessities is a great song, Phil Harris (voice of baloo) = Legend. If the world was a happier place this would be classic album, but since most people seem to only rate music which is bleak and full of woes about the world I fear this won't get the recognition it deserves. If this album doesn't put a smile on your face then you are not human and I urge you to get off of our planet. 

unique and exquisite 
Wow! this is an achievemnet for any artist let alone a 23 yr old! A real eclectic mix which literally takes you on a journey of emotions.Starting with the dancehall ska sounding '10/10.. an up beat catchy melody that give you an instant high... on to tracks such as the otis redding/sam cooke sounding 'coming up easy' which resonates with anyone whos experienced the warmth of young love. Moving onto the outstanding and haunting 'candy' on first hearing it could be mistaken for an old country song from the likes of willie Nelson.. its hard to believe a young man can sing with such depth and soul.. it generates such pathos in you and reveals the loneliness we all feel at times.. 'trick of the trade' and 'chamber of music' are without a doubt a tribute to dylan' and others on the album are a fabulous concoction of 1930s deep south style. An extremely ambitious 2nd album but one that's paid dividends.. Best album this year.

Worth buying 
I bought this from Amazon as a download and enjoyed listening to it. I think it's a grower, not an instant favourite. This is because Paulo's songs draw inspiration from all kinds of genres, country, to folk, to reggae...the list goes on. You can't pigeonhole the man. It'll take more getting used to, but then perhaps that makes this record more original than most. It is definitely less angsty that These Streets. Is Paulo growing up? I think he has a lot of talent and we haven't seen the best of this man yet.