Born in the UK was actually borne out of frustration. Badly Drawn Boy, AKA Damon Gough, was working on his fifth album with high-powered producer Stephen Street when he realized the material wasn’t coming together. So, he stopped the sessions and began an intensive songwriting exercise, spending four months writing every day until he had more than enough ideas to make a convincing album. The result is another Badly Drawn Boy album that’s inspired by ‘70s singer-songwriters and fits comfortably next to his previous output. Gough’s seated at the piano more than ever – “The Way Things Used to Be,” “Without a Kiss,” “Walk You Home” – and his level of introspection remains microscopic. His use of orchestration adds a sophistication to what would otherwise be plaintive confessionals. The title track traces young Damon’s pride of youth and country and Bruce Springsteen with unflinching honesty, while the summer breeze Burt Bacharach-like sophistication of “Long Way Round” and “The Time of Times” add an extra level of rhythm and texture.