British singer-songwriter George Ezra makes an impressive return on his highly-anticipated sophomore album, ‘Staying at Tamara’s.’

Rising British singer/songwriter George Ezra is back! In 2015, the deep, husky-voiced singer-songwriter shined on his debut album, Wanted on Voyage. That effort included gems including ‘ace-in-the-hole’ “Budapest”, “Cassy O’”, and the infectious “Listen to the Man”. His highly-anticipated sophomore album, Staying at Tamara’s, extends upon the greatness of his debut, featuring a number of great songs.

“Pretty Shining People” 

“Pretty Shining People” kicks of Staying at Tamara’s magnificently. George Ezra shows off his distinct, powerful, and robust vocals in all their glory. Beyond the voice, the narrative songwriting is excellent – incredibly fun as well as thoughtful. On the first verse, he struggles with fear and change, while on the second, he focuses on “what ifs.” The pre-chorus comes from the perspective of his friend, Sam:

“He said: ‘Why, why, what a terrible time to be alive

If you’re prone to over thinking and

Why why, what a terrible time to be alive

If you’re prone to second guessing.”

Another pro is the production, shining brightest on the powerful, enthusiastic chorus.  During this particular section, there is heavy use of acoustic guitars, and pummeling drums. Also, worth noting, melodically, it’s simply beautiful.

“Don’t Matter Now”

Ezra keeps things short and sweet on early single “Don’t Matter Now”.  The production is exuberant, channeling vintage rock, pop, and soul.  The rhythmic guitar, bass line, and horns stand out in particular.  Strengthening the mix are sensational backing vocals and an overall fun, carefree performance. Lyrically, the record is a ‘ball.’ All in all, Ezra keeps things fun, simple, and incredibly tongue-in-cheek.

“Paradise”

The fun continues on yet another brief joint, “Get Away.” Like “Don’t Matter Now,” the horns are alive and well. “Shotgun” expands the length north of the three-minute mark, while keeping the momentum strong. Again, jubilance is key for Ezra, as he literally sings about “riding shotgun.” The tropical influences are among the song’s biggest selling points. The chorus is ‘right up there’ as well.

“If it feels like paradise running through your bloody veins / You know it’s love heading your way.” From the jump, “Paradise” is fun and light-hearted, with a heaping spoonful of tongue-n-cheek. George Ezra is both charming and playful, stretching out monosyllabic words into multisyllabic ones (“mind” and “time”). Notably, he drops some impressive falsetto. The production work matches his enthusiasm and big personality, making “Paradise” a pleasure from start to finish.

“Hold My Girl”

If paradise weren’t enough, Ezra radiantly blends vintage pop and soul on “All My Love.” Perhaps it hard to differentiate between performances, but arguably, he gives one of his best here. He follows up capably on “Sugarcoat” asserting, “I don’t need to sugarcoat it, girl / No I’ve got you by my side.” Sigh, the love continues on without hitch.  Furthermore, the international, world music cues accentuate.

“Hold My Girl” initially features acoustic guitar accompaniment.  As the record progresses, the production becomes fuller, with the addition of piano and strings. Once more, George Ezra sounds superb. Here in particular, the vocals are the centerpiece.  Rather than opting for the slightly silly, Ezra is being authentic and sincere.  Fun wouldn’t be the right characterization for this one, but it’s definitely another strong showing.

“Saviour”

“Being your own saviour, saviour / Is it saving you?” The lyricism of “Saviour”, featuring First Aid Kit is undeniably impressive. Naturally, given its title, “Saviour” has its share of religious references.  The excerpted lyric plays on the notion of faith and lack thereof.  While there’s a religious undertone, “Saviour” centers more on a romantic relationship as opposed to one with God. The chorus confirms this relationship, again playing into religion brilliantly, with the suggestion that one partner can only offer so much, and it’s not sufficient. George Ezra continues to compel vocally, as do First Aid Kit on the backing vocals. The minor-key production is a huge selling-point, featuring a rhythmic, folk-/roots-rock sound.

Only one record earns George the explicit lyrics tag.  That would actually be the set’s most thoughtful effort, “Only a Human.” A colorful, successful f-bomb on the chorus seals the deal.  Ultimately, the singer/songwriter asserts that everyone makes mistakes – “you’re just human.” The atmospheric, more modern-sounding “The Beautiful Dream” concludes Staying at Tamara’s. Not only is the dream beautiful, so is the record itself.

Final Thoughts

How does Staying at Tamara’s stack up? Just like his 2015 debut Wanted on Voyage, George Ezra puts together a consistent, impressive, and overall superb effort. The vocals are on-point, the songwriting is often fun, but sometimes more thoughtful (such as “Only a Human”), and the arrangements and productions are top-notch. Winning project through and through.

Gems: “Pretty Shining People,” “Don’t Matter Now,” “Paradise,” “Hold My Girl,” “Saviour” & “Only a Human.”  

George Ezra • Staying at Tamara’s • Columbia • Release: 3.23.18

Photo Credit: Columbia