‘‘IT’S a losing game that I won’t play,’’ sings Matt Cardle on opening track It’s Only Love.

The 29-year-old from Southampton, who won The X Factor in 2010, could almost be referring to his experiences on the ITV1 show that made his name. Being on a smaller label like SO What?, compared with Columbia Records which he left, suits him as he’s had more creative freedom – he has co-written nine of the ten songs and played most of the instruments. The follow-up to 2011’s Letters has been inspired by his split from dancer Sarah Robinson, and he excels in the ballads, showing why he is a worthy winner.

Shereen Low