Album of the Day

While a member of the Royal Armed Forces, James Blunt cut some demos that drew sufficient music industry interest to earn a publishing deal. But it wasn't until 4 Non Blondes' Linda Perry championed him as a performer that Blunt's distinctive falsetto was seen as an asset rather than liability. That became undeniable with the release of BACK TO BEDLAM, which quickly became one of the best sellers in U.K. pop history. If heartfelt ballads like “Goodbye My Lover” and “You're Beautiful” (one of the most omnipresent songs of 2005 thanks to TV, film and commercial licensing) dominate the proceedings, closing track “No Bravery,” about Blunt's military service in Kosovo, show the singer-songwriter has more than just romance on his mind. A striking debut that sold more than 11 million copies around the world, BACK TO BEDLAM weaves a wistful spell that continues to entrance listeners.