Back from the Edge (Deluxe Edition)

The fall from grace may be an established part of the reality narrative but The X Factor U.K winner James Arthur triumphantly flips the script on this energetically soulful second album. Personal turmoil—including an ongoing tussle with anxiety—proves the ultimate creative fuel. “Prisoner” is a bluesy hymn to self-destructiveness, “Phoenix” turns symbolic rebirth into a lusty neo-R&B cut and “Sermon”, featuring rapper Shotty Horror, is a fittingly confessional, gospel-tinged behemoth.