Badger's Album of the Month - Charlie Simpson - Young Pilgrim
Charlie Simpson – Young Pilgrim
Well he’s left Busted and now it’s time the music grew up. Yes? Charlie Simpson enjoyed a stack of success with Busted as the Brit version of the many American guitar rock bands that were flooding the market of their time.
Then of course it was Fightstar – they released lots of songs….none of them were hits.
The new project makes our Charlie wear sensible clothes and record the album he always should have. It’s been produced by the man that made Coldplay what they are today. Think Coldplay, think David Gray and try not to think about Busted. I know it’s tough but if you can put that to one side then you will be able to appreciate a great a songwriter doing his bit.
Opener Down Down Down, arrives amid jangly guitar before building layers of lush pop. Parachutes, the second single, is a busy song with mainstream appeal.
Other highlights include Hold On – an Imogen Heap-style experiment with multi-tracked vocals – and finalé Riverbanks, a crescendo of guitar, piano and strings.
Verdict 4/5 – I’m not sure his Busted fans will like it though.
