When Jamie T. arrived in 2007 with his debut Panic Prevention, it was received as a breathe of fresh air from an up-and-coming talent (he was only 21). Now, with his second album Kings and Queens, it seems natural that the listener would be in for something a little more mature than his previous effort (plus releasing two well received EPs thus far this year hasn't hurt). Wrong mindstate to take on. Once again, Jamie (in his best slurry Joe Strummer voice and Billy Bragg songwriting impressions) relays stories of heartbreak which lead to raucous nights with less-than-stellar characters (all the while drunk or on way to drunk). While each song draws heavily on hip-hop influences (few things are legitimately sung here), Jamie's ability to write a chorus has improved ("Sticks and Stones" is a pure joy) as has his adoption of the "indie rock" sound (ie., "The Man's Machine"). From beginning to end, Kings and Queens is a great listen; however, it does have it's lulls (are two ballads needed?). But don't let that stop you from enjoying this fresh youth, his dry sense of humor, and knack for storytelling (especially those whose youth is starting to fade as it's a nice record to reminesce to).
3.9/5.0
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