Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

As Paolo has such an eclectic range of influences, it is no surprise that this album can't be neatly filed into one particular genre. The catchy pop hooks of the first album have been left behind and in its place is a mixture of heady blues, country, reggae and folk with the occasional jazz accessory thrown into the mix.





In an attempt to be 'organic,' a term that is currently over used and completely redundant (but don't get me started on that one,) the Scotsman has moved away from the instant gratification that the listener received on first listen of 'These Streets' and the idiosyncratic sound Nutini is developing may leave some of his earlier fans disappointed.
Of 'Sunny Side Up' Paolo says he "just wanted it to be organic, and so immediate it's in your face and you can't help but take it all in." I don't think he has quite managed this yet but considering what stage of his career he is at he has given it a bloody good go. The tracks on this album need to be listened to a few times before you start to enjoy them. This is slightly down to the fact that as there is no obvious genre, at first you are not entirely sure where they are going and what response to give. Paolo's slightly eccentric influences also add to the initial uncertainty of the first listen.

Wynonite Harris and Canned Heat may not be on most twenty-two year old's play lists, but their impact on Paolo is evident in tracks like 'Pencil Full Of Lead' with trumpets and an upbeat feel and the bluesy emotion of 'Tricks Of The Trade.' In contrast 'No Other Way' resembles the Miracles' 'You Really Got A Hold On Me.'

All in all this is an enjoyable album, full of haunting vocals, open emotions and introspection that belies his tender years.