James Blunt, Monsters | Track Review 🎵

James Blunt, best known for “You’re Beautiful,” strikes gold again with his very personal single, “Monsters,” from his 2019 LP, Once Upon a Mind. 

“You’re Beautiful” is undoubtedly the crowning achievement of Grammy-nominated, singer/songwriter James Blunt’s discography. That said, in 2019, Blunt released a song that is easily one of his best in years, not to mentioned potentially the ‘second-best’ of his career.  “Monsters,” from Once Upon a Mind isn’t monstrous because it’s scary in the least.  I might even opt for ‘beastly’ as opposed to monstrous, because of the thoughtful, personal, and incredibly relatable lyrics.  It rare that I review a track from an album that’s already been released, but “Monsters” didn’t arrive as a single until January 2020.

Dedicated to his ailing, aging, and dying father, James Blunt seems to cherish the time he has left (“Oh, well, I’ll read a story to you / Only difference is this one is true / The time has gone…”).  He also prepares to take the torch passed on by his father – truly ‘man up.’ The crème de la crème (besides those ever-distinct vocals) is the soaring chorus.  If you listen to the chorus, or better yet, watch the music video accompanying “Monsters” and don’t shed a tear (or at least sniffle or get ‘moist’), well, you’re incredibly coldhearted.

“I’m not you son, you’re not my father
We’re just two grown men saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you’re sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud
So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes?
Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn
To chase the monsters away.”

Final Thoughts 

To reiterate, “You’re Beautiful” will always be the ‘ace in the hole’ for James Blunt.  Still, “Monsters” is one of the most beautiful songs of his career, and clearly, one of the most beautiful songs of 2019/2020.  “You’re Beautiful” shines thanks to the emotional, distinct vocals of Blunt, superb songwriting (Blunt, Amy Wadge, and Jimmy Hogarth), a relatable theme, and a gorgeous, emotionally supportive backdrop (Hogarth).  This song is truly awesome.

James Blunt • Once Upon a Mind • Atlantic • Release: 10.25.19

Photo Credit: Atlantic