Pitchforks: 5/5
Released: April 16, 2013
Pop singer Olly Murs has joined the newest British Invasion of the American music scene with his upbeat jazz-influenced album "Right Place, Right Time."
Murs first emerged onto the music scene as a contestant in the British version of the reality singing competition "The X Factor" in 2009. His charismatic stage presence set him apart from the equally talented singers on the show and landed him in second place.
As is often the case, the rankings on the show don't always predict the success of an artist. While his first self-titled album was quite successful, it was his sophomore album "In Case You Didn't Know" that skyrocketed Murs into the top of the charts and earned his two No. 1 singles.
This time last year, only those with a specific interest in British music had ever heard the name Olly Murs in the U.S. Then last summer he gained international attention and popularity as the opening act for One Direction's sold-out summer tour.
While the album shares the title of Murs's third album in the U.K., it includes a combination of songs from that album and a previous album. Although it initially seemed it was cheating the U.S. fans out of some of Murs's new music, after listening to the U.S. version as a whole, it is clear the mash-up was the right decision.
"Right Place Right Time" offers the best of Olly Murs over the last few years and is a perfect introduction to his style for new fans. There is a clear difference between the old and new songs. The older songs have a heavier jazz sound with lots of instruments and a classic dance beat. The newer songs reflect the current state of pop music with a more electronic influence.
The first single off the album is "Troublemaker." The song is catchy but not nearly as fun as some of his others. The song features Flo Rida, in a likely attempt to attract the American audience. The rapping feels out of place; it's a forced marketing ploy that is ultimately unnecessary.
Included in the selection of songs from his sophomore album are Murs's two No. 1 singles, "Heat Skips a Beat" and "Dance With Me Tonight." Both have a heavy jazz influence and are easy to dance along to.
By adding Murs's past hits to the U.S. version of the album, "Right Place Right Time" is made of primarily upbeat songs. All of the ballads were cut out, and the only slower songs left are "Dear Darlin'" and "Loud & Clear."
The only downside of the album consisting of a mash-up of songs is that there is no variety in the subject. All 10 songs are about girls, pining after a girl, trying to get a girl and finally having a girl.
Still, his jazzy dance songs are refreshing compared to the heavily automated tunes that have become the staple for pop music today.
Reach the reporter at julianne.defilippis@asu.edu
