7/10

When George Ezra released his breakthrough debut album 'Wanted On Voyage' in 2014, he was greeted as a fresh and dynamic addition to the commercial pop world. Despite its mainstream tendencies, he still managed to adopt a raw and alternative folk-inspired direction that allowed him to skirt the line between radio-friendly gems and more underground appeal. But when it came to his 2018 sophomore LP 'Staying At Tamara's', he leant further into his pop appeal yet still created something warm and inviting. So for his third studio album 'Gold Rush Kid', he has pretty much transformed entirely into a commercial staple.

But despite the sheer sonic gap between who he started as and where he is now, George Ezra is still proving himself to be a very reliable and bankable songwriter. While this new release has the odd moment that verges on cheesy and glossy pop ditties, there is something remarkably charming about it as a whole. He has clearly grown in confidence over the years, and seems to have no issue putting his happiest foot forward to create a sound that is simply too fun and enjoyable to ignore.

It may lack some of the more tender moments he has built a reputation for over the years, but 'Gold Rush Kid' comes across as an artist who is just looking to enjoy his time in the limelight while it lasts. George Ezra has been a rare glimmer of competence in the mainstream glare, and this new offering certainly shines brighter than most in his field.