James Blunt avoided a huge mistake with his latest album re-release
By StevieMac
It’s 20 years since James Blunt released Back To Bedlam. The album went on to sell over 11 million copies and spent 10 weeks at number one in the UK. It also stormed the charts around the world. The album’s success allowed Blunt to give up life as an Army captain and live the life of a pop star. Blunt is always highly grateful for that number-one status but took a different view this week.
In the run-up to his latest album release, a 20th anniversary edition of Back to Bedlam, Blunt promised fans via social media that he’d legally change his name. He’d alter it to whatever was the most popular suggestion submitted if the album went straight to number one. All sorts of names and variations were suggested.
Among the ones I can repeat here were the likes of Jimmy Spliff, Blames Junt, and Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Pop Star Four Chord Song Machinery. Plus, there are several much ruder alternatives. His social media also has a video introducing several of those suggestions and revealing the potential new name for Blunt.
James Blunt will be happy to miss number one with his latest album re-release
The people have spoken - if the 20th Anniversary Edition of Back to Bedlam is Number 1 next Friday, my new name will legally be... pic.twitter.com/CoMsjFJpy8
— James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) October 11, 2024
The most popular suggestion was Blunty McBluntface. For those unaware it repeats a UK trend from a 2016 public poll to name a new scientific research vessel as Boaty McBoatface. However, Blunt has had some good news as far as his name is concerned, even if it might be a slight disappointment too. The album hit the charts at number seven this week. Blunty McBluntface is now discarded to whatever Blunt's humor and social media jokes get up to next. He remains James Blunt officially, for now anyway.
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The album still did very well to get such a high position in the charts again, especially after amazing success the first time around. It has had some clever PR through this escapade of course. It’s fairly typical of Blunt to use his social media to help create interest and headlines. He’s worth following for his razor-sharp wit there, whether you like his music or not.
As for the album, the new 20th-anniversary edition is out now in all formats, including a recycled red vinyl version. It includes his top hits “You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover." Fortunately for Blunt, it’s still filed under B in the record shops!
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