Known as the X-factor winner 2010, he finally released his first album, "Letters" earlier this month! Naturally, i dug in. I first heard Matt on a paparazzi cover on youtube and the second i heard it, it was love at first belt. This boys voice. Needless to say, he is already beautiful as all hell, but he has this raspy/pure quality to his voice thats quite hard to explain actually, because when he starts to hit those higher notes it dissapears and fades into this gorgeous, bright tone which i just go crazy for. His vowel placement and all technique as far as vocals go really made me happy haha. If you haven't googled him circa X factor, you go right ahead and hit up your search engine because i can promise you.....you wont be dissapointed. You can tell this guy has talent through his covers. Especially his britney spears "Hit me baby one more time" and the "Paparazzi" one (we all know im a sucker for Gaga).
Album time!!!! Fun Fact: he is the first X Factor winner to not be exclusively signed to Simon Cowell's label, but to be co-signed with Columbia Records, which is pretty cool. So far, the album has 3 singles out and about. I've gotta say, for the debut album of a UK artist, its pretty good. I have my criticisms but he is really great at songwriting and if all else fails (i hope it doesnt; he has an angelic voice) i could see him being a songwriter. Obviously, the album didn't get too much hype over here because people don't really know who he is. First single: When We Collide was first performed on the X Factor finale (as they always are on these types of shows) and was released as a single on December 12th, 2010. Hit the top of the UK charts (i believe) simply because it displays his vocals and he had literally JUST won X Factor. Still a good song! But not the best on the album by any means. Second single: "Run for your life" which, ironically, is the only song on the album he didn't co-write and it is my second favorite off the album, borderline first. He states that once he heard it, it was SO him that he was near tears recording it in the studio. Smart move boo, because your voice absolutely fits this song. Best part: end chorus with his heart wrenching belts and anthem-like strings in the background. The chorus is incredibly catchy and the lyrics are moving. Basically, feeling like you're not good enough for the one you love. GREAT song. My actual favorite song is one (not a single) called "All for Nothing" which has some interesting lyrics. Almost as if his love is sick? Or went away for something and him praying she gets back safe? Its very vague but its an awesome song. I love this song because it's so raw. "Don't make it all for nothing". And let me tell you he is werkin with these vocals. He wasn't joking around in that studio now!
3rd single: "Starlight". Pretty good song. Nothing too awesome or amazing. Sounds very Coldplay-esque. It's almost a breath of fresh air on the album because its more upbeat and exciting. Other note-able mentions: "Pull Me Under", "Beat of a Breaking Heart" and "Walking on Water", which is like.....the ONLY acoustic track on the album, sadly, and tied for second place on my favorites list. Listen to it!
Overall its a great album as far as vocals and songwriting goes but to be honest on his next album he needs to progress to a new theme of song because there are a LOT of love songs on here. Great ones nonetheless, however i feel like its just kinda sitting in water and not really going anywhere. I was kinda dissapointed in the fact that there weren't any acoustic songs. I believe his strong suit and why people truly love him in the UK is due to the fact that he has some BITCHIN vocals and the fact that he can play acoustic guitar incredibly well. It's sexy and it captures peoples attention. So why he didn't do that on this album? Im lost there. Anywho, pretty decent material to work with! I hope we see more of it over here in the US.
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