I have a theory when it comes to the tracklisting on an album… I think that artists put their best song in the seventh spot.
Call it a conspiracy, call it an attempt to dial into luck, but often the seventh song on an album is also the best.
It’s not a perfect theory, but one of the first things I do when I listen to a new album is listen to track seven because I feel it sets the tone for the rest of the album.
On ‘Lexicon’, Will Young’s first studio album in four years, the seventh track definitely set the tone.
This is Will’s best work since 2011’s ‘Echoes’.
Capturing a similar feel and sound to ‘Echoes’ isn’t coincidence. Back working with superstar producer Richard X and writers like Jim Eliot, Eg White and Hannah Robinson, it feels like the stars have aligned to get Will back to a place where he’s creating brilliant pop music again.
Released via independent label Cooking Vinyl, it’s high quality pop throughout.
Although the last decade hasn’t always been kind to Will (facing exhaustion and a loss of direction artistically), it feels like he’s found himself again.
The first two singles from this album (‘All The Songs’ and ‘My Love’) are great indicators of what you’ll find; a blend of slick modern pop music combined with gut-wrenching and honest lyrics.
One thing that has never changed is the quality of his voice. It’s obvious why all those years ago he won ‘Pop Idol’ in the UK – his voice tells stories effortlessly.
Back to track seven for a moment – the song that defines the whole album’s sound.
‘I Bet You Call’ is the sorrowful yet hopeful break up pop song you didn’t know you needed. It’s the predictability of someone crawling back even though they are adamant they won’t – we’ve all been there before. It’s clever writing and features a ridiculously catchy chorus.
Songs like ‘Forever’ bring a more intense electronic feel, but it doesn’t feel out of place. In fact most of this album carries a certain energy throughout it. The introspection is more upfront for everyone to see rather than remaining inside himself.
Will Young remains an important artist within the pop music scene and ‘Lexicon’ helps bring him back to the forefront again.
The album is full of great songs and for me is one of the most enjoyable listens from end to end in a long time.
Welcome back Will, it’s great to have you back.
VERDICT : 5/5.
MUST LISTEN : All The Songs, Scars, I Bet You Call.
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