The Grammy-nominated ex-army officer struck gold with "You're Beautiful" some five years ago, sound-tracking a thousand first dances at weddings. Considering it's about seeing an ex-girlfriend canoodling with her new flame, it just shows how little some brides and grooms listen to the words these days.

The parent-album "Back to Bedlam" reached number one in several countries, surpassed by the follow-up "All the Lost Souls" - can he make it three in a row? His new album "Some Kind of Trouble" will appear in November, preceded by a single "Stay the Night" (check the video to the right) on 25th October. Devoting most of his time abroad, Blunt recorded the album in L.A. at his own studio.

In support of the new songs, a tour beckons as always and James Blunt has confirmed at a pile of 2011 dates (with more to come no doubt) beginning in Glasgow on 17th Feb and continuing to Newcastle, Wolves, Manchester, Plymouth and many more, including a London date at the Hammersmith Apollo on 27th Feb. Tickets go on sale this Friday from 9am, priced from £27.50. Blunt will then undertake further European gigs straight afterwards.