Album of the week

Jake Bugg’s new record was the ‘most fun to make’

Incredibly, at the age of just 27, this is the fifth album from fresh-faced troubadour Jake Bugg (real name Jake Edwin Charles Kennedy).

He began playing the guitar aged 12 and was inspired by Don McLean’s classic song Vincent.

The Nottingham singer/ songwriter burst onto the music scene in 2012 with his selftitled debut album.

Since then he has enjoyed both critical and commerical success with his last album (2017’s Hearts That Strain) being recorded with uber producer and Black Keys mainman Dan Auerbach.

That mainly acoustic album was a bit of a departure but he has returned in part to his blend of alt folk and rousing indie rock which has endeared him to a legion of fans.

But this time, influenced, he says, by ABBA and the Bee Gees, he has utilised a top team of top pop songwriters, including Camilla Cabello , Dua Lipa collaborator Ali Tamposi and Andrew Watt.

At times it feels like Bugg has not quite got the balance in his new sound right although Screaming, Downtown and Rabbit Hole are tracks he can be proud of .

Saturday Night, Sunday Morning also includes both recent singles – Kiss Like The Sun and the euphoric All I Need.

He says of the album it was “the most fun I’ve ever had making a record’’. Chances are you’ll find it fun listening to it too,

To be in with a chance of winning this album answer this question: Which football team has Bugg been a shirt sponsor for?

Answers to: Jake competition, nigel.thornton@jpimedia.co.uk by September 10.

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