THREE years after James Blunt released his successful debut album comes this truly underwhelming single which heralds the release of his second album next month.

Although I've never been a big fan of singer-songwriter Blunt, this new release is even less palatable than his usual offerings, which although depressing, have a certain appeal in the same vein as Coldplay and Keane.

With 1973, Blunt is clearly trying to create a new relaxed, upbeat sound, but he doesn't quite manage to pull it off. The lyrics are also a little absurd, especially when 30-something Blunt reminisces about nights out in 1973. However, Blunt's gravelly tones probably make the best of a bad job and the song is annoyingly catchy after a few listens, despite its shortcomings.