Jack Savoretti – Written in Scars

It’s hard to put your finger on a definition of Jack Savoretti’s sound. Brought up in London but with many years spent in Europe, his voice is a blend of all the places he’s been, giving him a delightfully mysterious tone. Written in Scars is his fourth studio album and the first with a major label. It’s the result of a few years spent passionately songwriting and working with new producers and musicians.

Singer/songwriter albums can run the risk of sounding a little samey the whole way through, but thankfully Written in Scars has a good variety to it. From Mumford & Sons-style quick strumming and catchy hooks, through to slower tracks with meaningful vocals, the songs each have their own individual character while keeping to a common feel. Singles Tie Me Down and Home are definite highlights, while Wasted brings in the voice of folk rock artist Lissie, complementing Savoretti’s lower tones. The Hunger is one of the darker tracks but definitely a must-listen, talking of the insatiable hunger for more despite being terrified. All of Savoretti’s lyrics are poetry put to music – he honed his passion for writing poetry as a child, which naturally developed into songwriting. 

The best thing about Written in Scars is its ability to be quiet and calming one minute, and blowing your mind with a well-put lyric and melody the next. Comparisons can be made to artists like Ray Lamontagne and Ed Sheeran, or possibly even some of the more mellow Arctic Monkeys tracks, but nothing will quite be able to define the appeal of Savoretti. His voice is simultaneously gravelly and smooth, and his lyrics both simple and complex. To sum it up, Written in Scars is the kind of album that is good both for playing gently in the background while you’re busy, and later turned up loud – to be given your full and undivided attention.

Amy McLelland

Written in Scars was released on 9^th February 2015, for further information or to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Home here: