Hello everybody!
Today, I’m super excited to be writing my thoughts on George Ezra’s first album Wanted on Voyage, which I have loved since a couple of months after release (basically since I heard him sing on Graham Norton, then I asked for the album for my birthday and the rest is history!). Anyhow, even though this is now four years old, I thought this would be fun, as I adore it so much. Also, how adorable is it that the name of this album is inspired by Paddington Bear?! Onto the post!
Blame it On Me– this is the perfect opener. It’s light and summery, and ultra catchy throughout. This was the first George Ezra song I ever heard as well, and it made me into the fangirl I am today, so I love it a lot. It shows off George’s voice perfectly.
Budapest– the original single! This kind of tells a story; about someone willing to give up all their fabulous possessions, which include a house in Budapest, for the person they love, and it’s so sweet. I love the story behind it hugely (George didn’t get to go to Budapest when he was interrailing because he got drunk at Eurovision and was so hungover he missed the train… so wrote this instead) and overall it’s just a really nice song.
Cassy’O- this is a very fun, well written song. It’s about the passage of time, even though it sort of sounds like George is singing about a girl at some points, and some of the lyrics make me laugh every time I hear them. A very interesting and unusual song that took a while to grow on me, but I now adore.
Barcelona– this is kind of haunting in a way, and it’s a really pretty love song. I can’t believe I once found it boring, because now I’d describe it as a breathtaking ballad.
Listen to the Man- this is probably my favourite love song of the album. It’s so sweet, and it’s incredibly catchy to sing along to. It’s absolutely lovely; sort of a more upbeat version of Hold My Girl (which is from George’s 2nd album)
Leaving it Up to You– we get to hear George speak at the start, which is fab because I think his accent is lovely, and it’s about meeting an ex after they have a new partner. The chorus shows off George’s falsetto, and it’s very gentle and easy to listen to.
Did You Hear the Rain?- I find the intro a bit long and repetitive, so I tend to skip it, but I adore this song. It’s pretty dark, and (I think, anyway), about the piece of you inside that wants you to do bad things. I love George’s voice deeper so much (I love George’svoice all the time, but deep is my favourite way to hear it)
Drawing Board– this is hands down my favourite of the album, as you might know if you read my recent Q and A post. It’s about someone who wants to murder their partner, and the various plots they concoct to do this. It’s brilliant to sing along to when you’re annoyed even if your situation is totally different, and the lyrics are so clever.
Stand by Your Gun– this is so irresistibly catchy. The lyrics are quite abstract, but they’re super fun, and George’s voice is particularly gorgeous in it. It shows a little bit of his higher range, which I always love, as even though he’s known for his voice being deep it’s just as good when he goes higher, in my opinion. As I write this, I’m sitting on the couch, dancing (wriggling really) in my seta to this because it’s infectiously happy and brilliant.
Breakaway– this is by far the most underrated George Ezra song in existence, if you ask me. It’s about him attempting to convince someone in a toxic, abusive relationship to leave, and it’s heartbreaking. It makes me cry each and every time I listen, and the bit at the end with the backing singers/clapping is beautiful.
Over the Creek– this is another kind of abstract one I love! Again, I am clueless as to what it’s about, but I find something weirdly funny about the lyrics (“nonetheless, I must confess that I’m the mess, that has been left to save you”).
Spectacular Rival- this song is deliciously creepy and sinister, and I feel like it’s a great closer for this album. It’s probably the deepest George’s voice gets, which is weirdly soothing to listen to given the subject matter and I think the instrumentals are particularly phenomenal.
Thank you so much for reading! Are you a George Ezra fan? What’s your favourite song from Wanted on Voyage? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl, I am always available to have a good fangirling session!
Amy x
Golden Books Girl 