Jake Bugg became famous at the age of 18, and he is an independent artist ever since. I don’t remember he was ever related with some popular names, besides the moment when he employed Rick Rubin to record his second album in Shangri Las studio. His style was always consistent and almost all of his albums comprise 10 coherent songs. Albeit English and American folk are his main influences, that didn’t stop him to write solid pop songs with guitar premise.
Jake is not an extraordinary author, for his authenticity is reserved for consistency and diligence. He does not make big hits, but he managed to rise to the top and keep his position among the crème de la crème. As a guy who grew up listening to folk, country and rock ‘n’ roll of the 50s and the 60s, Jake recorded songs that are exciting pastiche.
The opening track On My One sets the right tone with the lyrics
I’m just a poor boy from Nottingham
I had my dreams
But in this world they’re gone
Oh, I’m so lonesome on my own.
This archetype song about loneliness of the globetrotter is followed by Gimme The Love in which Jake gives a sinister aspersion of the pathetic state of contemporary music industry. It is a fast guitar-driven track that suits the narrative. Massive industry has won over quality. Jake doesn’t need to tell you that, you already know it.
Unfortunately, the rest of the album deteriorates significantly and everything sounds like a routine, bursting with sleazy love songs. There is also one rebellious rap song Ain’t No Rhyme which represents a step forward for Jake Bugg, but not for music in general. The only song I appreciated from the second half is All That. It is about a young rich girl who is lost in the myth of American dream.
On My One is weaker than its predecessors. Still, the vocal interpretation is worth the money. The question is – does Jake lack experience or talent?
