James Blunt is a British author, composer, performer, guitarist and comedian. His tenor voice is recognizable from the first words of his songs. Intended initially, to be military like his ancestors and his father, the song offered him a great career, far from the scenes of war.
It was in Kosovo that he signed the title No Bravery, title on his first album Back to Bedlam, which in 2004 propelled him to the forefront. Even today, it is one of the ten best-selling albums of the decade, with notably You are beautiful.
franceinfo: To date, you have sold 23 million albums and singles in your 17-year career. To celebrate this journey, you are releasing a somewhat best of album on Monday, November 22 The stars beneath my feet. It brings together your songs from 2004 to 2021, that is to say 30 titles, hits, but also four unreleased ones and live ones. What does this record represent for you?
James Blunt: I have been on the road for 17 years and have never stopped. It’s been six albums since then until the pandemic which was a really incredible moment. We go home with the group, the team, the trucks. I was able to stop and reflect on how far I have come. I thought to myself: it really was a perfect time to choose my favorite songs. This album, The stars beneath my feet, these are the picks of the best moments of my 17-year career.
It is not a coincidence so precisely No bravery is a live that took place in London. This song is the starting point. Did you imagine at that time that the song could be a part of your life?
I knew there was an intensity in a lot of the songs on this album Back to Bedlam. It’s a really raw album, without imagining that there could be an audience, so people can hear that they are very honest.
At 7 years old, you start playing the violin and the piano. The electric guitar at 14 years old. Did you already know that music is one of the elements that make up your DNA?
Yes, absolutely. It was when I was 14 that I saw someone play the electric guitar. He showed me chords. I started to put money aside to buy this guitar. It is at this age that we truly discover our own identity.
“I am English, and the English have no emotions.”
James bluntto franceinfo
I was in a boarding school. I slept there since my parents were in another country. All of these emotions have to be pulled out of us, almost by force, and despite everything, I found that I was able to capture emotions and my sense of identity through the music. I realized that’s what I wanted to do when I was older in life.
In 2009, you became the first Briton after Elton John, 9 years earlier, to take first place in sales in the United States. Have you lost your footing at times?
Never. I could never have imagined that. I believe that even when You are beautiful was number 1, it was a surprise. I thought number 2 would be okay and I could walk the streets normally. But when you’re number 1 the way the world looks at you changes and that was a big surprise.
Was this song a burden?
No, I love it. Every musician wants a huge hit like this. I was lucky to have it from the start of my career so I was free immediately. Think of the Rolling Stones, they’re always looking for their first big hit. And that’s why Mick Jagger is so stressed! I can just relax and enjoy it.
When you release an album like this with 30 tracks that really represent who you are, do you feel a bit nostalgic?
Definitely nostalgic, yes. I think the way I write songs is nostalgic. My songs often capture the fear of the passing of time.
“Going back and listening to those songs again is definitely nostalgic, but, the beauty is in the nostalgia and I enjoy every minute of the nostalgia.”
James bluntto franceinfo
Are you proud of this course?
I feel very grateful and very lucky. My career started in France and I think the French are very open to songwriters. They understand the courage it takes to be on stage and to reveal yourself completely, to expose your thoughts, your flaws, your weaknesses, your imperfections. The French have been very open to all of this and I am very grateful for it.