Jamie Lawson has been on quite a journey over the last few years, having been signed to Ed Sheeran’s Ginger Bread Man Records in 2015. It was clear why Ed Sheeran had snapped up Jamie, as his talent is clear for all to see. Whilst in his first year, Jamie released his self-titled third album with the smash hit ‘Wasn’t Expecting That’, which has been streamed over 250 million times. In 2016 Jamie was awarded an Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Song Musically and Lyrically’, which he followed with his fourth studio album ‘Happy Accidents.’ Jamie did not stand still as he travelled to Nashville in 2018 further perfecting his craft, touring with Ed Sheeran and any available time in his busy schedule was used to write new music. 2019 was another busy year co-producing album ‘The Years In Between’ with Ruadhri Cushnan (Mumford and Sons, Shaun Mendez, Tom Walker and Ed Sheeran).
Jamie doesn’t let up even in a pandemic as he makes a return to Look Out Mountain Records and releases EP ‘Moving Images’ on Friday 29th May 2020. After having listened to the EP many times over the last three weeks the 5 tracks are heartfelt and emotionally charged. This small collection of songs are delicately orchestrated and put together creating an atmosphere heavy with emotion. Jamie has mastered the style of heart-wrenching ballads and he’s clearly not going to stop now. Moving Images does feel like Jamie is moving on to the next chapter in his life with different themes emerging.
The opening song ‘Perfect Year’ has a brilliant little back-story that is based on Jamie’s anniversary present running late. Jamie panicked and decided that he would write the song as a present, while his wife nipped out to Tesco. Oh to have those skills to produce a beautiful song to show his love for his wife. ‘Perfect Year’ was not intended to make the EP however, Jamie found that the song had meaning and felt it was a perfect fit and that others would appreciate it too. You can imagine this song being played in a romantic film as it gushes with love and romance.
‘She Sings For Me’ has a natural drum beat similar to that of the heartbeat mixed with light strings which makes you softly flow along to the romantic lines like “I write your name in the dust on the mantel”. At first listen I felt that this was an outpouring of affection to a loved one but after further reflection it is felt that Jamie was in actual fact referring to the healing powers of music and how music can get you through those hard times as you dig in there to survive and come through the other side. Jamie’s vocal delivery entices you in with his song craft as he reveals a level of honesty that is refreshing and pleasing on your ears.
Next the song ‘And You Saved Me’ has the making of being a massive hit as a first dance at a wedding with the upbeat dance vibes with lovely sounds of strings. Jamie’s voice will soon have you flowing across any dance floor with our partner held close.
‘I Loved You Then’ feels like a lover reminiscing through time and memories that have been experienced. The song explores mortality through the memories and it feels like there is a level of happiness for the times that were had and they can always be treasured.
The final song ‘Closure’ is a sad one, so brace yourself if you’re feeling delicate. It is song writing at it’s best with its minimalist use of instruments with the piano and solo vocals. With Jamie’s voice you don’t need much more to be able to make a truly remarkable song. ‘Closure’ was written about losing a loved one but there is scope for people to feel it relates to losing an ex-partner. Like with all of Jamie’s songs they are open for interpretation and they will have a different meaning for different people. Jamie’s songs are easily relatable no matter how they interpret the lyrics, but each and every listener takes something away with them. Ironically the song doesn’t reach a conclusion, leaving it open for people to speculate and fill in their own blanks.
Moving Images has intricately crafted songs with strings a plenty, with lyrics that allow for emotional and personal connection. Moving Images deserves appreciation and to be listened to. Moving Images is available from Friday 29th May PRE-SAVE / PRE-ORDER: HERE
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