JP COOPER: Raised Under Grey Skies (Island)

JOHN PAUL COOPER came to prominence as guest singer on Jonas Blue’s tropical house hit Perfect Strangers, but his own songs look more to blueeyed soul and gospel. The title track is an affectionate account of his Manchester childhood. Other numbers are marred by some overcooked string and vocal arrangements, but a tender cameo by London grime star Stormzy, on Momma’s Prayers, closes this debut on a high.