At the end of February, Paolo Nutini released a live version of ÔÇÿIron SkyÔÇÖ on YouTube, a song from his upcoming album. It followed the pre-release of single ÔÇÿScream (Funk My Life Up)ÔÇÖ. The video, filmed in Abbey Road, showed a new maturity in NutiniÔÇÖs sound. ┬áIt was melancholic and soulful, a critique on the constraints of society. The single was critically acclaimed; even Adele described it as ÔÇ£one of the best thingsÔÇØ sheÔÇÖd heard in her life.
ÔÇÿIron SkyÔÇÖ is certainly one NutiniÔÇÖs strongest pieces of work, both musically and lyrically. Where his first albums dabbled in young love and mischief making, each with their own playful feel and summery touch, ÔÇÿIron SkyÔÇÖ shows undertones of pain and frustration. An excerpt from Charlie ChaplinÔÇÖs ÔÇÿThe Great DictatorÔÇÖ is played over a bridge: ÔÇ£You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men!ÔÇØ Its inclusion is not clich├®, but purposeful and heartfelt. In the five years since ÔÇÿSunny Side UpÔÇÖ, Nutini has clearly grown as a musician, and this is exemplified through a strong and emotional delivery.
On 14 April, Atlantic Records released ÔÇÿCaustic LoveÔÇÖ. In places, it is raw soul music, and it makes the heart bleed. ÔÇÿLet Me Down EasyÔÇÖ is a particular highlight, its warm tones reminiscent of Amy WinehouseÔÇÖs album ÔÇÿFrankÔÇÖ. The track is supported by gorgeous acoustic number ÔÇÿBetter manÔÇÖ, a song that contrasts with the boyish charm of his early work, followed by the fantastic ÔÇÿIron SkyÔÇÖ.
However, unlike the mix-tape feel of ÔÇÿSunny Side UpÔÇÖ, this album lacks in variety. Aside from its three standout tracks, ÔÇÿCaustic LoveÔÇÖ feels slightly half-hearted in its production. ItÔÇÖs padded with interludes ÔÇÿBus TalkÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿSuperflyÔÇÖ, which feel like little more than rough sketches. There is no questioning NutiniÔÇÖs skill as a vocalist ÔÇô his voice is as gruff and thunderous as always ÔÇô but there isnÔÇÖt a track that eclipses the beauty of ÔÇÿIron SkyÔÇÖ. In an interview with BBC Music, Nutini said, ÔÇ£Ideally, I’d like another album out within a year [ÔǪ] and go back to some raw and uncomplicated acoustic tracksÔÇØ.┬á Hopefully, taking a more simplistic route will better reflect his talents as a soul singer.┬á And, hopefully, we wonÔÇÖt have to hear any more ÔÇÿBus TalkÔÇÖ.