ALBUM REVIEW | LEWIS WATSON - 'MIDNIGHT'

Oxford based singer-songwriter Lewis Watson has returned with his second album ‘Midnight’, out this Friday (24 March). It doesn’t disappoint – he has evolved his popular sound and made an adventurous record.

Following up from his debut ‘The Morning’, it is clear that there has been a real maturation of sound and substance. Watson has cited influences as diverse as Coldplay and Bon Iver for the album, which is evident in its rich textures and broad range of sounds throughout.

The brooding opening chords of ‘Maybe We’re Home’ call to mind the soundscape of Ben Howard’s second album. As the song grows, Watson’s signature vocal delivery is present but both his voice and the songwriting on offer here have depth to them. A promising first number, ‘Maybe We’re Home’ embodies the change in sound and style that Watson has managed to successfully achieve throughout the album.

As is the case with Watson’s previous output, matters of the heart dominate the lyrical content of the album. ‘Little Light’ is a tender ballad about falling in love, rich in well devised metaphors and colour imagery. Lines such as “Ever since I found you, a little light is breaking through” are simple but effective, giving the song a very genuine feel.

He follows through with the contemplative yet broadly upbeat mood of ‘Midnight’ on ‘Deep the Water’, which quickly emerges as one of the clear highlights of the album. The memorable refrain shows Watson’s songwriting and ability to craft a catchy hook have both improved by some way.

The more downcast ‘LA Song’ is spared from being a typical heartbreak ballad by clever lyricism and strength of feeling, while ‘When the Water Meets the Mountains’ is one of the less remarkable efforts here but this indicates the overall quality of the album. ‘Hello Hello’ starts sparsely before building to a memorable orchestral crescendo; ‘Forever’ is probably the catchiest, most optimistic track here, with a greatly effective chorus line.

‘Run’ and ‘Give Me Life’ also impress, before things close out with ‘Slumber’ – a collaboration with hugely talented singer-songwriter Lucy Rose. Their voices blend in perfect harmony and it is a fittingly delicate, emotional end to an album rich in both of those attributes.

It’s clear that Watson has massively upped his game with ‘Midnight’, a cohesive, compelling record that only improves the more you listen to it.

9/10