You would be forgiven for thinking that Taylor Swift’s ‘reputation’ was the biggest album to release on the 10th of November. Sure, her face may be plastered on the side of UPS trucks and there may have been a lot more media coverage, but all of this pales in comparison to the tour de force of an album that is DIY SOS Superstar Nick Knowles ‘Every Kinda People.’
Cynics may call this an uninspired cash grab, an attempt of building off of the success of Bradley Walsh’s album last year but, obviously, they would be wrong. Nick, or Knowlsey as he will be referred to from this point forward, had previously signed a record deal but decided to turn it down in order to focus on his television presenting. In many ways it is unfortunate that his musical talent has laid dormant for all these years, however I believe that is a small price to pay for TV such as ‘Nick Knowles Original Features.’
This obviously a project oozing with passion, featuring no original songs but instead a collection of Knowlsey’s favourite tracks to which Knowlsey adds his own unique spin. The highlight is Knowlsey’s version of the Barry White classic ‘You’re The First, My Last, My Everything.’ Knowlsey’s raw voice makes sure every word is meant and, as the listener, you can’t help but feel Knowlsey really feels this way about you personally. This is the version of this song that Barry White wishes he had written, not relying on backing singers and harmonies. It is an emotional, haunting experience.
Knowlsey is not contempt with having just one future classic on his hands. Joni Mitchell’s ‘River’ is one of my personal favourite songs of all time, a gorgeous yet cold track that stirs up every emotion in my body, whilst using the backdrop of the festive season to reflect the loneliness and depression that can be felt. Knowlsey breathes fresh life into this sombre song using his trademark growl to give his own, somehow more poignant, take on one of Joni’s best songs.
His take on ‘Your Body Is A Wonderland’ could be taken for having a double meaning, with the line ‘I’ll use my hands’ possibly referring to his most known role of handyman on DIY SOS. But Knowlsey uses his hands with great effect all throughout this album with them playing Guitar. Knowlsey plays with ease making the guitar an extension of his persona, warm, caring and loving.
Adele had made ‘Make You Feel My Love’ her own song. However, Knowlsey obviously has intentions of challenging for her crown with his own version adding formidable competition to both her and the original composer Bob Dylan. Much like every song on this album, Knowlsey makes you feel the emotions that the lyrics imply.
Ultimately ‘Every Kinda People’ is a modern masterpiece. A truly passionate and daring listen that showcases the beauty of Knowlsey’s guitar playing and voice. It is a shame that this will ultimately be compared to the lesser efforts of the likes of Martine McCutcheon, Bradley Walsh and Jason Manford. Knowlsey is an superb singer and guitarist and ‘Every Kinda People’ is hopefully just the beginning of the musical career of this modern day renaissance man.
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