Olly Murs Brings the Party Back: Knees Up Album Review

Olly Murs’ brand-new album Knees Up arrived this week, and as always, The Groovy Moo crew provides a comprehensive review. The album is characterized by cheek, charm, and Olly’s distinctive style, offering a dynamic blend of pop storytelling, emotional honesty, and entertainment. From energetic openers to heartfelt ballads, we examine how each track performs.

Knees Up opens with “Save Me,” a fast-paced track that combines energetic production with narrative-driven vocals. The accompanying music video enhances the vividness of the song. Each lyric contributes to a detailed narrative characterized by movement, color, and Olly Murs’ signature charisma.

“Bonkers” delivers on its title, presenting a cheeky, playful, and highly quotable track. With lyrics such as “I don’t think I was ever dropped on me head though, maybe that one time I fell off the bed though,” and “I’m just being myself but to everybody else I’m bonkers,” the song encourages listeners to embrace individuality. It is bold, entertaining, and showcases Olly Murs’ unfiltered style.

“Guilty” is a fast-paced track with a deliberately energetic and layered sound, adhering to the classic Olly Murs formula. The vocals are prominent, providing the powerful pop impact that fans appreciate.

“Honest” offers an introspective perspective, with production that mirrors anxious thoughts through jittery and pulsating elements. The vocals convey emotional barriers as they emerge. With lyrics such as “I ain’t done nothing wrong, but I’m sweating like a pig in a sauna,” the track is both self-aware and relatable.

“Love = Madness” is among the more relaxed tracks on the album, featuring a smooth groove complemented by expressive vocals. The song maintains a tender tone without becoming overly sentimental, exemplified by lyrics such as “I read the dictionary cover back cover to babe… nothing that I tried to say could explain all the feelings I got for you babe.” The overall effect is warm, romantic, and understated yet impactful.

“Run This Town” exemplifies Olly Murs’ signature style. The track is upbeat, memorable, and crafted to evoke a sense of joy. It stands out as a feel-good pop song, characterized by strong melodic hooks and pronounced charm.

“Yesterday’s News” is catchy, confident, and memorable. This track embodies Britpop influences, featuring nostalgic elements and some of the album’s most compelling vocal performances. It stands out as one of our top selections.

“Cut to the Chase” is one of the album’s most relaxed tracks, reducing the tempo and allowing the vocals to take prominence. The song is smooth and straightforward, providing a moment of calm amid the album’s energetic atmosphere.

“Still Getting Used (To the Ring)” combines humor and sincerity, consistent with Olly Murs’ established style. It is a love song that addresses everyday experiences, incorporating subtle truths that may resonate with listeners.

“Lovin’ Really Hurts” begins with a compelling vocal introduction and confidently adopts the characteristics of a power ballad. The track is emotionally charged and highlights a fuller, richer vocal quality that enhances its impact.

Although understated, “Chin Up” conveys a gentle sense of hope. The track serves as a subtle, reassuring moment, offering warmth and simplicity. It provides a brief respite before the album’s concluding track.

The title track “Knees Up” serves as an effective finale. It is entertaining, bold, vocally impressive, and features humorous lyrics. The song concludes the album on an uplifting and memorable note.