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Tom Odell is one of the most talented and versatile musicians of his generation. He has released four studio albums, each showcasing his distinctive style of indie pop, folk-pop, and electro-pop. He is also a prolific songwriter, having penned songs for himself and other artists, such as Lily Allen, James Bay, and Birdy. Odell’s music is characterized by his emotive vocals, poetic lyrics, and atmospheric piano melodies. He draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, such as Elton John, Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and Drake.
Origins and Early Career
Odell was born in Chichester, West Sussex, England, on 24 November 1990. He spent part of his childhood in New Zealand, where his father worked as an airline pilot. He learned to play the piano at a young age and started writing songs in his teens. He attended the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, where he formed a band called Tom & the Tides. He later moved to London to pursue a solo career and was discovered by Lily Allen, who signed him to her label, In the Name Of.
Odell released his debut EP, Songs from Another Love, in 2012, which featured the hit single “Another Love”. He won the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in 2013, becoming the first male artist to do so. He also made his television debut on Later… with Jools Holland, where he impressed the audience with his live performance. He released his first album, Long Way Down, in June 2013, which topped the UK charts and received positive reviews from critics. The album included the singles “Can’t Pretend”, “Hold Me”, and “Grow Old with Me”.
Subsequent Albums and Success
Odell followed up his debut album with Wrong Crowd in 2016, which showcased a more mature and adventurous sound. He worked with producer Jim Abbiss, who had previously worked with Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and Adele. The album featured the singles “Wrong Crowd”, “Magnetised”, “Concrete”, and “Here I Am”. Odell also released a series of short films to accompany the album, which explored themes of isolation and innocence.
In 2018, Odell released his third album, Jubilee Road, which was inspired by his experiences living in a London flat with his friends. The album was more intimate and personal, reflecting on his relationships, memories, and dreams. The album included the singles “If You Wanna Love Somebody”, “Half as Good as You”, and “Go Tell Her Now”. Odell also embarked on a world tour to promote the album, playing in venues across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
In 2021, Odell released his fourth album, monsters, which marked a departure from his previous sound. He experimented with electronic elements, such as synths, drum machines, and auto-tune, creating a darker and moodier atmosphere. He cited artists like XXXTentacion, Drake, and Travis Scott as influences. The album featured the singles “Numb”, “Monster v.2”, “Lose You Again”, and “Over You Yet”. Odell also opened up about his struggles with mental health, anxiety, and fame, which inspired the album’s themes.
Future Projects and Plans
Odell is currently working on his fifth album, Best Day of My Life, which is expected to be released in late 2022. He has already released the title track as a single, which is a piano ballad that celebrates life and love. He has described the album as a “return to his roots”, with more acoustic and organic sounds. He has also hinted at collaborating with some of his musical heroes, such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen.
Odell is also planning to resume his live shows, which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has announced dates for his UK and European tour, which will start in February 2023. He has also expressed interest in performing in other parts of the world, such as South America, Africa, and the Middle East. He has said that he misses the connection with his fans and the energy of the stage.
Odell is one of the most exciting and original artists of his time. He has proven his ability to evolve and reinvent himself, while staying true to his vision and voice. He has also shown his generosity and compassion, by supporting various causes and charities, such as War Child, Amnesty International, and the Teenage Cancer Trust. He is a musician with a heart of gold, and a piano man with a soul of fire.
