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Album Review: Tom Odell - Jubilee Road

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"Tom Odell has that spark, but the magic is hiding."

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Tom Odell might be one talented guy with incredible vocals and mad piano skills, however, excuse me while I hit the snooze button. Jubilee Road is Odell’s third album and you would think it gets better with each album right? Sadly, it’s not the case; the songs all kind of just feel average, nothing makes you want to dance or sing or even leave you going, "Damn that’s good!"

There are a few diamonds in the rough though, like Half As Good As You which features Alice Merton, who adds an edgier sound to Odell’s angelic vocals and meaningful lyrics. China Dolls gets the guitars rolling before the pianos come in like it's the chorus of a musical. Lyrically, Odell writes beautifully and from the heart, which combined with his delightful vocals, makes songs sound very heartfelt at times like in Don’t Belong In Hollywood and Wedding Day.

Tom Odell has that spark, but the magic is hiding; if only he dug deeper or did something to wow his audience, then maybe we would all be back for more, otherwise, it might just be a good Christmas present for your nana.

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