Billy Lockett – Abington Grove

Whilst male singer-songwriters with a penchant for poppy ballads have been circling the top of the charts in recent years (Lewis Capaldi and co come to mind), the name Billy Lockett has actually been on the scene for a while. Performing for over a decade now, the Northampton-born artist’s career has been well-documented on personal social channels, detailing some difficult diversions, but now, debut album Abington Grove marks his journey reaching a new destination. 

It soon becomes apparent that Lockett’s current signature sound is a smooth, satisfying blend of pop and soul, sandwiching catchy choruses in laidback tempos. This is a collection of songs that make you feel emotional or want to bop along – or both. The record opens with Hard Act to Follow, a collaboration with Goldlink and a soulful ballad that layers piano with falsetto. In case the theme of vulnerability isn’t already apparent, Not Okay (think Coldplay meets Anne-Marie) soon makes it clear with the lyrics, “I’m not okay… God knows I’m trying to change.” The catchy jams and choruses are all consistent and reliable, but a breath of fresh air can be found in the unashamedly honest lyrics, whose sincerity narrowly avoids swerving towards cheesiness. There’s even a reflective spoken-word pep talk in Don’t Worry: “I’ve only just realised I love being myself – and you should too.” 

“Do you think my songs all sound the same?” Lockett jokes in Kamikaze. They may run a slight risk, but the highlights are the tracks that push harder into genre experimentation. Kamikaze is tongue-in-cheek and bouncy, Miss Missing You satisfyingly introduces gospel – even with a choir; Sushi opens with 80s synths and Freaking Out dances into electro-pop territory. Last Night is a song of soulful regret and piano ballad Last Thing on Your Mind is a shoutout to his earlier releases. It may take a few listens to appreciate, but it’s there, all wrapped up in husky, gravelly tones and subtle harmonies.

There’s an overarching sense of nostalgia and growth – fitting for an album named after the street of a childhood home. Ever-open about having had to graft to get here, this self-confessed “small town boy” of Abington Grove is making his way towards bigger crowds and stages. Releasing a record in itself feels like a long-awaited triumph for the singer and his fans; thankfully it’s a victory that will sound effortless on the radio… and every subsequent speaker too.

Bev Lung

Abington Grove is released on 17^th February 2023. For further information or to order the album visit Billy Lockett’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Miss Missing You here: