'On My One', Jake Bugg’s third full-length release is, at least on the surface, aptly titled. For the first time the Nottingham native has eschewed contributions from outside songwriters and also produced much of the record solo, but the one thing that challenges this solitudinous sentiment is the scale of the thing: this is the biggest sounding Bugg album yet.
You’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise, though, given the slow, stripped-down nature of the title track. But Gimme The Love, a rapid-fire half-rap featuring pulsating drums and a frantic guitar solo, shows the record’s true colours. It’s also the first time we’ve see Bugg stray into the realm of ‘rap’ - though he’s more Vanilla Ice than Tupac Shakur.
The following track, Love, Hope And Misery, is a more measured affair, but it too is evidence of an increased sense of scale in Bugg’s music. Strings and horns accompany plaintive vocals, with the overall package resembling a well-produced ballad from the ‘70s, although perhaps a little too closely at times.
‘On My One’ is also Bugg’s most meandering effort. From skiffle to rap, folk to pop, never before has he showed such a willingness to experiment with different genres. Perhaps surprisingly, though, this ostensible lack of focus doesn’t affect the album’s sense of cohesion and continuity.
This is largely due to Bugg’s interconnected lyrics, which centre around the apparent termination of a long-term relationship. “It’s getting old and it’s all your fault, because I won’t do what I’m told,” he sings on the tense Bitter Salt. “Don’t be mad, I’m just a man. I know that you must hate me,” runs the refrain on Love, Hope And Misery.
There are a few misfires, notably on Ain’t No Rhyme, which sees Bugg go full rap. The only insight gained from the song is a brief insight into his political leanings: “When you're in the middle, which side do you lean? I must say it's hard being inbetween.”
Despite these stumbles, the album is a hit overall. There’s something old, something new, and it all comes together to form a solid whole. If nothing else, ‘On My One’ is evidence of Bugg’s ability to competently create an interesting and diverse album with little outside help.
Jake Bugg Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu June 23 2016 - NOTTINGHAM Sherwood Pines Forest
Tue October 18 2016 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Wed October 19 2016 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Fri October 21 2016 - GLASGOW O2 Academy Glasgow
Sat October 22 2016 - GLASGOW O2 Academy Glasgow
Mon October 24 2016 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham
Tue October 25 2016 - SHEFFIELD O2 Academy Sheffield
Wed October 26 2016 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Sat October 29 2016 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE City Hall
Sun October 30 2016 - HULL City Hall
Tue November 01 2016 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Wed November 02 2016 - BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy Bournemouth
Thu November 03 2016 - CARDIFF University Great Hall
Sat November 05 2016 - DUBLIN Olympia
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