Deja Vu?
'An English Gentlemen' is the second solo single from former Manic Street Preacher James Dean Bradfield, following first single 'That's No Way To Tell A Lie' and debut album 'The Great Western'. Born in Pontypool, Wales, in 1969, he occupied the position of lead vocalist and lead guitarist in the Manic Street Preachers and now seeks to employ these talents as a solo artist.
Musically, 'An English Gentleman' is reminiscent of MSP material from the late nineties, although stronger than their releases of this decade. The song powers along, driven by a strong drum beat accompanied at the chorus by more percussion instruments. In addition to his trademark voice, James employs many of the musical tricks that made the Manics so popular: a slow build into an anthemic and climatic chorus, plenty of electric guitar, brief but clearly defined instrumental sections and choir-like backing vocals during the chorus. Although the song's upbeat pace may belie it, 'An English Gentleman' is a tribute to the late Philip Hall, publicist, friend and mentor to the Manic Street Preachers in their early stages; the lyrics are by no means sentimental or unhappy however, expressing such sentiments as 'But you gave us more than we needed friend / We were so happy / To be at the door of an English gentleman'.
'An English Gentleman' is not an unpleasant track. Its tune has potential to get stuck in your head and its production is so polished it shines: Manic Street Preachers fans are unlikely to be disappointed. It sounds a little too like the Manics for comfort however; James appears afraid to step out on his own and deliver a sound that is truly his (and his alone), instead milking the vocal style and song structure used by his former band in their most successful years for all that it is worth. It's not a bad little tune, and it's unlikely to offend or disappoint anyone upon being heard – especially Manic Street Preachers fans. What is a little sad however, is that James Dean Bradfield has taken the safe option and attempted to recreate the sound of his heyday rather than daring to try something new.