8/10
There's a warmth to 'One of Them' that catches you off guard. John Witherspoon's third album tackles weighty themes—disconnection, technology, fractured relationships—but never loses sight of the humanity underneath it all.
The Liverpool singer-songwriter has hit his stride here, delivering eleven tracks that feel both intimate and expansive. 'All my Venom' is a particular highlight, capturing the complexity of love with a hook that's equal parts devastating and cathartic: "I love you, but I could give you all my venom." It's the kind of line that stays with you long after the song ends.
What makes this album work so well is Witherspoon's willingness to let the music breathe. The decision to record much of it live pays off beautifully—there's an energy and spontaneity that gives these songs real life. You can hear the room, the interplay between musicians, the moments where everything clicks into place. It feels authentic in a way that's increasingly rare.
Witherspoon's songwriting has matured considerably. I'll admit I wasn't familiar with Witherspoon's earlier work before this, but after diving into 'Showin' up, Startin' Again' and 'Heart in, Head Out', the progression in his songwriting is striking. 'One of Them' feels like the work of an artist who's finally found his voice—more confident, more focused, and willing to take bigger risks. He's found a sweet spot between introspection and accessibility, crafting narratives that are specific enough to feel genuine but universal enough to resonate widely.
His Merseyside heritage comes through strongly—there's a Beatles-esque melodic sensibility that feels innate rather than imitated. But Witherspoon casts his net far wider, pulling from indie across the globe: the introspective lyricism of Dylan and Cohen, Radiohead's experimental edge, the raw energy of The Strokes, and the earnestness of early Coldplay. The result feels distinctly his own, filtering these diverse influences through a contemporary lens.
But what really elevates 'One of Them' is its underlying optimism. Despite exploring some dark corners of modern life, Witherspoon never gives in to cynicism. There's a belief in connection, in trying, in the messy beauty of being human that runs through every track. This is Witherspoon's strongest work yet—honest, engaging, and genuinely moving.
Stream the full collection in the player below
