Album Review: Charlie Simpson - Young Pilgrim

Charlie Simpson - Young Pilgrim

Well, here's one I wasn't expecting. Former Busted and Fightstar frontman, Charlie Simpson, releases his first solo album which turns out to be an enthralling, beautiful and high quality acoustic record.

Now, I could admit here that I was always partial to a bit of Busted but in the context of the sound of Young Pilgrim that would be like saying I enjoyed Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio just because I liked Hello Goodbye. Simpson's record could scarcely be further from the frothy guitar pop of That's What I Go To School For and instead, he's produced a piano and guitar led album notable for its excellent songwriting.

The employment of ex-Coldplay producer Danton Supple can't be underestimated here - closing track Riverbanks couldn't sound more like Chris Martin and co if it tried - but what it does mean is that there is a Parachutes-esque sound to the record on singles Down Down Down and, ironically, Parachutes.

Simpson's distinctive vocals are perfectly suited to the twelve songs which, admittedly, take a bit of time to sink in as on first listen they do sound similar. I liked I Need A Friend Tonight and Hold On although the whole record shows that Simpson is a more mature and better singer songwriter than many people give him credit for. A surprising and excellent record.