Ear Candy

Our ear candy this week?

Sam Smith, In The Lonely Hour

Who: You’ll know the Money On My Mind and Stay With Me singer from endless radio play this year, plus he guest vocaled on Disclosure’s Latch
What: This is the 22 year old Londoner’s debut
Sounds like: Sam is the akin to a male Adele; and that’s no short order. The album is a heart wrenching, 14 track ode to unrequited 21st century love, delivered in Sam’s smooth vocals and pop-meets-Motown sound.
We reckon: He’s on to big things. The tracks are killer. We love.
Listen to: Good Thing, Lay Me Down, Latch (acoustic)

Rating: 4.5/5 We dock Sam half a score for Money on my Mind. Overplayed and totally wrong for Sam’s vibe.

@samsmithworld

Mick Flannery, Red to Blue

Who: The Cork stonemason cum singer songwriter
What: This is Mick’s 4th studio album, and though it’s been on shelves a while, he’s touring it now.
Sounds like: Mick has found his rock n’roll soul. It’s an all-American, foot tappin’, Deep South soul kind of album. Flannery is a little riled up, and it suits him.
We reckon: He’s a master of story, so while you’ll love the punchy tracks and brass section, you’ll be sitting down, ear pressed to the speaker listening to every word he says. This is his coming of age album – he’s matched his gift of the gab with a bit of rock and roll and really excellent musicianship. We want to see this live.
Listen to: Gone Forever, Keepin’ Score, Red to Blue, Boston

@MickFlannery

Jo Linehan @jo_linehan