Samuel Jack - The Gold & The Glory (Landon 
Records)
Release Date: Out Now
'The Gold & The Glory' is the debut album by British singer-songwriter Samuel Jack which feels mad because a) it feels like he's been around for ages and b) one of his previous releases is one of my all time favourite songs that I've discovered via writing this blog. So, I'd better not delay this any longer, had I? 'Borderline' gets us underway as the warm piano notes and Jack's voice starting with a somber tone but a pumping beat and uplifting chorus turn that nostalgia in to a happy memory to keep you warm at night. 'Amsterdam' has a George Ezra vibe to it with honest songwriting and a broken heart before 'Those Days' lifts our spirits right up with a proper pop romp tinged with sepia toned photographs and rose tinted glasses.
Jack has the kind of voice that makes you want to listen and sing along at the same time which is what makes him such an engaging artist and 'Call Me Stupid' is the best example of this as the gospel choir kicks in, emotions pour out and spines tingle. 'Sun Goes Down' is a gentle roadtripping anthem while 'Nobody Knows Me' embraces the soul slow-dance side of Jack's oeuvre bringing that choir back to support him in his hour of need. Former single 'Chat Dad' breaks me every time I hear it, the confessional lyrics of a grown man missing his departed father will melt even the coldest of hearts - I know it does mine. Then, on 'Mad About It', Samuel Jack goes and unleashes the kind of track that would be all over the radio in the hands of Rag'n'Bone Man with it's dirty bass, rib shaking beats and oh-so-soulful vocals.
Album title track, 'The Gold & The Glory', is a gently beautiful song with soaring vocals and a piano melody that sounds like an Elton John duet with, well, Samuel Jack - who else? 'Home To You' is the penultimate song on this collection with another heartbroken story tinged with Jamie T vocals that grow and swell in to something truly heartwarming and comforting (this is Samuel Jack's forte, if you hadn't already guessed). The album closes out on 'Ruin Myself', an anthem to self destruction that we can all identify with at some stage in our lives and that's what I love about Samuel Jack; he feels like the kind of guy you could have a great chat with in the pub before he jumps up on to the stage to blow you away with fantastic songs and the kind of voice you would rather marry than snog or avoid. This is the first album but I dearly hope that it won't be the last.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/samueljackofficial