Who is James Blunt

In 2005, James Blunt was everybody's favorite overnight success story. In 2007, he's the guy who's making rock meaningful again. All the Lost Souls,, the sophomore effort from the Brit responsible for restoring the seriousness of "beautiful" as a compliment, brims with big build-ups, epic-sounding ballads, and lyrics to lose yourself in. The vibe, laid out neatly on first single and opening track "1973," is clear-eyed and heavy-hearted; in anybody over 35, it'll produce nostalgia tempered by hopefulness--here's a set that suggests rock has got its head screwed on straight again, that the path to real feelings need not necessarily be led by Norah Jones. In anybody younger, it'll cause the unsinkable suspicion that a lot of modern balladeers should be digging deeper. But in both cases it will satisfy. Compared with David Gray and Damien Rice last time out, this time Blunt seems to owe a debt to Barry Gibb--his voice quavers as sweetly and with the same delicate reach. Stand-outs on a brief but dud-less set include "I Really Want You," in which the sound of Blunt's breaking heart is set sparely and elegantly to something approximating the chirp of a cricket, the poignant and desperate "Give Me Some Love", and the VH-1 ready "Same Mistakes." -Tammy La Gorce

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 U.K. 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

Simply put, James Blunt is the most successful debut artist of the year in the UK! However, he isn't one of those guys who finished school and set off to become a musician. The one time British army captain (and latest ina long line of Blunts in the armed forces) served stints as a peacekeeper in Kosovo and guard at Buckingham Palace before hanging up his uniform. His days of carrying a gun behind him, Blunt quickly began turning heads with his soaring vocals and stirring songs. His debut album, Back to Bedlam, has earned widespread praise, including comparisons to the likes of Damien Rice, David Gray and a young Elton John.

"You're Beautiful" is the sublime smash single from critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James Blunt, who unexpectedly took the world by storm with his debut album Back to Bedlam. "You're Beautiful" was produced by Tom Rothrock whose credits include Beck, Badly Drawn Boy and Elliot Smith. This Australian three-track single features the album version of "You're Beautiful" and two previously unreleased Acoustic versions of "Fall At Your Feet" and "You're Beautiful."

Two Single CD's with special treats:

The Former UK Military Captain's Debut Album "Back to Bedlam" Rose to Prominence by Word of Mouth, Fuelled by Amusing and Touching Live Performances. "You're Beautiful", a Song About a Lifetime Lived in a Moment, Became the Soundtrack of a Turbulent Year, Despite Taking Several Weeks to Reach Number One. The Album was 2005's Biggest Seller in the UK. Everything that Makes Blunt Such a Special Talent Can Be Seen and Heard on These Extraordinary Live Performances, Filmed Before an Invited Audience at the BBC in November 2005 and the Audio Portion Recorded While on Tour in Ireland in December 2005. Whether Solo Or Backed by a Full Band, Blunt Loses Himself in his Songs. It is the Same Quality of Intensity Captured on the Video for 'you're Beautiful', Included Here Along with his Other Videos. Between Songs, Blunt Can Be Light-hearted and Debonair. When He Sings, He is Naked. Includes an Electronic Press Kit with a Short Documentary Featurette, Photo Gallery and Interview.