Human

Rag’n’Bone Man (Columbia)

At 32, Rory Graham, aka Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, has accumulated a lot of experience in life and music before becoming the man touted as this year’s big thing. He is a big guy physically as well and his bluesy vocals have an authentic and likeable quality. They suit the big productions which tracks such as Human, Bitter End and Innocent Man have been invested with. His roots in hip hop and an initial earthier vocal style are less in evidence than a smooth transition to a Caucasian version of Luther Vandross via Gregory Porter.