As a piece of propaganda, James Blunt???s album Back to Bedlam does more for changing the face of the British Army than a series of television adverts ever could. Swapping a rifle for a guitar, the former cavalryman???s ballad-heavy debut is a clearly aiming to win the battle for the public???s hearts and minds. The success of singles like "You???re Beautiful" and "No Bravery" (inspired by his time stationed in Bosnia) are both heartfelt and sensitive, the latter packing an additional emotional punch beyond the typical lovelorn ballads of his contemporaries like Damien Rice. But Blunt also sings with conviction about matters of the heart, and that???s the territory that most of Back to Bedlam visits, with songs of loss like "Goodbye My Lover", "So Long Jimmy" and "Billy". And throughout, the arrangements remain understated yet effective, thanks to the input of such heavyweight producers and songwriters like Linda Perry and Guy Chambers. All of which prove that there???s a lot of depth to this modern, musical hero. --Robert Burrow

This album is awful. Terrible vocals, terrible songs, so-so backing - you begin to get the idea. This is a record that is completely lacking in charisma and imagination. Put it this way if he was still in the army they would have had him put him against the wall and shot!

I think this album is amazing.

Every song is fantastic (which can't be said for many albums nowadays).

James Blunt has an amazing voice and has some very powerful songs.

Fantastic album and one I will no doubt be listening to for years to come.

I know it is a matter of preference, but I really suggest you at least try listening to some of Blunt's stuff- you'd really be missing out if you don't.

I have listened to this music when I have been down, when I have been happy, sad and reflective.

I ripped it off the web and then bought it and re-ripped it for my MP3 player, it deserved it.

That says more than words.

This album made my balls drop. Give it to a nephew and check back on them in a week - You may be surprised.

One of those albums that just gets to you for some reason. You're Beautiful really does it for me with lovely guitar work. James doesn't have the best of voices but then neither does Bob Dylan and it never hurt him. Lovely stuff indeed.