For his third album, Lemar announces himself as “Britain’s premiere soul singer”. Them’s fightin’ words; but the fact that he got his big break from reality TV ensures that few soul aficionados will ever accept it. Is this fair? Well, there’s no doubt that Lemar can sing, and his 1.5 million album sales prove he at least has some kind of appeal.
Add in a producer who has worked with Lionel Richie and Tina Turner, a band that have played with Mary J Blige, D’Angelo and Common, and string arrangements by a maestro who’s worked with Michael Jackson and George Benson.
Ultimately, The Truth About Love is the perfect soundtrack for hotel lobbies or restaurants, but it’s difficult to imagine anyone turning the volume up past background level. For the most part, you just wish he’d raise the tempo, even once.
Of course, the plain people like him, but if you’re looking to be excited by a new record, look elsewhere. File under a great voice let down by bland songs.