He finished as the runner-up on The X Factor back in 2009, which catapulted him into the hearts of the public and gave him a great platform from which to release hit after hit, many of which dominated the UK Singles Chart.
His recent release, 'Run This Town', acts not only as a teaser for his upcoming album 'Knees Up' but also gives us a certain fun and fresh energy that brings a smile and a laugh to everyone.
His cheeky persona comes through fabulously in this track, starting off with a jaunty and upbeat flurry of sound. As the vocals, written by Samuel Preston, come bounding in, there is immediately so much joy and feel-good energy, a typical Murs-ness that the public fell in love with back in 2009. The opening lyrics “Bright Lights, we’re headed to the city/ Happy days, it doesn’t get better than this” set the precedent for the track and take us on a journey into this metaphorical “city” of feeling free and self-confident, surrounding yourself with those who make you the best version of you.
The track itself mentions togetherness in abundance: the idea of going “arm in arm” to jump into the weekend, “reckless hearts” beating together, bodies moving in time together, to name a few examples. This really captures what lies at the heart of an Olly Murs track- fun and friendship, be that platonic or romantic love, but these themes find a sense of their own when Murs vocalises them. The difference with him is that he gives his all to mastering these thematically in his tracks. He truly places a piece of himself into each lyric and musical beat, particularly concerning these overarching themes; we feel as though we, too, are on this road to a good time, a time where laughter is as regular as breathing and friends are as common as the dust on an old windowsill.
Murs brings such life to all of his music, using each moment in a track to his full musical advantage. The percussion of this track gives it its jolly feel, whilst the backing vocals allow it to fill out the body of the song and the jaunty guitar really gives it that last kick of light-hearted and cheerful sensations. It’s a teaser for what will surely be a long-overdue, refreshing, incredible album.
Abby Tapping
Image: ‘Run This Town’ Official Single Cover
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