The sometimes pensive, often quirky second album by British singer/songwriter Charlie Winston is a pop-folk mélange effortlessly blending harmonica and French horns with thoughtful lyrics and undeniable rhythm. From the first strains of the hit single "Like a Hobo" through his reflections about death on "Kick the Bucket," Winston captivates. He puts forth one of his best efforts on the track "In Your Hands," a hymn-like song with a well-choreographed video reminiscent of Feist's "1234" -- minus the sequins. The entire album, released on the French Atmosphériques label, offers a dose of optimistic and thought-provoking music that indicates much more to come from this eccentric Brit. ~ Celeste Rhoads

Jul 2009

A platinum selling artist in France, Charlie Winston heads home with his debut UK album, Hobo. The album is a collection of songs with soul inspired by the great 'soul men' - Ray Charles, Randy Newman, Richie Havens, Tom Waits. Thoughtful and captivating and musically witty the stories are at times serious, at others ironic but always profoundly human.

'Hobo' was originally released in France in January 2009. The single 'Like A Hobo' shot to number one in the charts within forty eight hours; the album followed suit within a week (outselling the likes of U2). 'Like A Hobo was number one on all download charts for four weeks, a feat only ever achieved by four other artists. Now officially certified platinum, the album has been in the top ten of the French physical charts since its launch in January and the single topped the French CD charts on its release too.