Solo diversity

Singer/songwriters may be a dime a dozen nowadays, but in a tradition that stretches back to the troubadours of the Middle Ages, here are two exceptional UK storytellers. Ed Sheeran’s second studio album is a very personal one, while Paolo Nutini’s third is more bluesy, and filled with songs in a Marvin Gaye/Curtis Mayfield social consciousness mode.

Ed Sheeran — X (Warner Music). I loved Ed’s first album, and thought A Team and You Need Me highlighted the verve and humor that made his music transcendent. On his second album, there’s a whole lot of music, and the competence and charm can’t be doubted. Whether he’s singing or doing his version of rap “I sing with a flow,” we’re stunned by his talent. But if I have reservations, it’s that on first listen, we’ve trodden this same territory before, and much of the funky humor is absent. It’s like he’s gone the Jason Mraz route, over-produced some numbers and cleaned up the act in order to better swim in the mainstream and chalk up phenomenal record sales. Thinking Out Loud and Afire Love (about an elderly loved one afflicted by Alzheimer’s) are strong songs, but I can’t help but miss the “old” Ed — the brilliant busker we’d encounter on London street corners.

Paolo Nutini — Caustic Love (Atlantic/Warner). Scottish and of Italian descent, Paolo has his trademark rough gravel, late-night voice — one that early on in his career came as a surprise as he recorded his first album when only a baby-faced 19. On his third album, Paolo really stretches, coming up with songs that are diverse and combine the best in R&B, blues and rock. In Iron Sky, he samples Charlie Chaplin’s Great Dictator, while Fashion is a slick, funky duet with Janelle Monae. My current favorite is Numpty, which sounds like New Orleans via Glasgow; and the ballads, One Day and Better Man. On the more rock-influenced songs, there’s a kinship to the likes of Paul Weller, while the more soulful songs are classic Nutini. And the closer, Someone Like You, is a sweet surprise, like Paolo channeling Chaplin himself (recalling Chaplin composed the song Smile).