It only seems like yesterday that “You’re Beautiful” reared its sappy head into our lives, causing women across to wonder “Why can’t somebody write something like that for me?” before launching into a diatribe about how awkward NU guys are, while men pondered whether a life of deafness was better than a world dominated by James Blunt. Soon, the song started slipping from radio playlists, and most assumed Blunt really did jump off a cliff like in the video. But the guy’s back (surprise), and his new album All the Lost Souls is in stores now. Now, I’m not going to listen to this album for myriad reasons, but the guy’s important because “You’re Beautiful” will probably play at most weddings we attend in the next 30 years, so let’s take a look at his new single “1973.”

Using only the laziest trademarks (Afros! Disco balls! Bright colors!), Mr. Blunt wanders the streets of today lusting for 1973, and a girl he associates with said year. Except James Blunt was born in 1974. So, maybe this album is like time travel or something? More likely, he’s probably hoping the older crowd pines for the disco-fueled days of their youth, and that they have an extra $13 to spend on music. But when your song sounds like a rejected Maroon 5 joint, it may still be a hard sell. Hey, James, don’t get sad, that beard makes you look even more beautiful!