Don't be fooled by the name or the voice, Paolo Nutini isn't a 50 year old Italian, he is, in fact, the 19 year old offspring of a Paisley fish and chip family. Signed to Atlantic Records, home of James Blunt and Bjork, he is definitely more like the former than the latter. Judging from recent interviews, he doesn't care for the comparison.
There's a certain rawness to this track, and it's definitely the adult take on a relationship break-up as opposed to the teenage angst style of self pity and vitriol. Nutini has a great voice that manages to bring the emotion across, and it's a real surprise to see lyrics this thoughtful and intelligent coming out of someone so young.
There are various influences that seem to be at play here, classical soul being the most obvious on this track, and there are similarities with artists such as Jose Gonzalez and hints of the Lighthouse Family. It's easy listening rather than challenging, and you certainly won't be hearing a dance remix while out on a Saturday night.
This genre has a specific market and, whilst Radio 2 will probably champion this, the Pussycat Dolls won't have to worry about losing their fan base just yet. Buy it for your Mum, she'll love it.