106-522: James Blunt (born James Hillier Blount ) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician. A former soldier, he is especially known for his 2004 songs " You're Beautiful " and " Goodbye My Lover ". As a British Army captain in the aftermath of the Kosovo War , Blunt was involved in the British refusal to engage Russian troops at Pristina Airport . After leaving the army, he rose to fame in 2004 with
212-885: A barrier in class-divided Britain. Linda Perry , who was just launching her own label Custard Records in early 2003, heard Blunt's promotional tape when visiting London, and soon after heard him perform live at the South by Southwest Music Festival . She made an offer to him the same night, and within a few days he signed a recording contract with her. A month later, he travelled to Los Angeles to meet producer Tom Rothrock . Blunt recorded Back to Bedlam in 2003 with Rothrock as producer in Conway Recording Studios at Rothrock's home studio in Los Angeles, playing many instruments himself. During recording, he lodged with actress Carrie Fisher . Fisher contributed in naming
318-570: A child but was introduced to the electric guitar aged 14 at Harrow by a fellow student. His dissertation at the University of Bristol was entitled The Commodification of Image – Production of a Pop Idol . One of his sources was Simon Frith , a sociologist and rock critic , and chair of the Mercury Music Prize panel of judges since 1992, who later undertook a lecture tour entitled "The unpopular and unpleasant thoughts inspired by
424-436: A co-writer. Blunt said of the song: "It's always been portrayed as romantic, but it’s actually a bit creepy. It’s about a guy (me) who’s high and stalking someone else’s girlfriend on the subway. And then the stalker kills himself." In an interview with HitQuarters , co-writer Sacha Skarbek said that Blunt brought the title, verses, and the approach of the chorus to a songwriting session. Skarbek's contribution largely focused on
530-834: A decade when "You're Beautiful" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006; the last British artist to do so had been Elton John in 1997 with the song " Candle in the Wind 1997 ". "Goodbye My Lover" was released as the fourth UK single from the album in December 2005, and the second US single. The songs "High" and "Wisemen" were subsequently re-released in 2006. Blunt began 2006 celebrating five Brit Award nominations, and went on to win Best British male solo artist and Best pop act categories, having already started an 11-month world tour. On 31 August 2006, he won two awards at
636-516: A degree is not required for admission. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst instructors' cadre (group of trainers) is run once every year. The aim is to select 30 senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) from 60 over the course of 3–4 weeks. Instructors can come from any part of the British Army although most are historically from the Infantry. Typically before the 60 candidates arrive on
742-627: A distance learning Honours Degree in International Studies which ultimately requires 360 points. Graduate entrants can gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Conflict Studies from the Regular Commissioning Course and then embark on a pathway post-commissioning to complete a full master's degree from a university through further electives and a dissertation. Alternatively, non-graduate cadets have
848-438: A forest. The re-release video for "Wisemen" has him burning identification papers, and then walking through a forest while he is on fire. Blunt appeared on an episode of Sesame Street which aired on 14 November 2007, singing about triangles to the tune of "You're Beautiful". A parody of "You're Beautiful" titled " You're Pitiful " was recorded by Weird Al Yankovic . According to Yankovic, Blunt gave his personal permission for
954-724: A keen interest in motorbikes around this time. Having been sponsored through university on an army bursary, Blunt was required to serve a minimum of four years in the armed forces. He trained at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in intake 963 and was commissioned into the Life Guards . He rose to the rank of captain . The Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry Regiment , were primarily based in Combermere Barracks . Blunt
1060-475: A long-term artist, not just a one-hit wonder " and continued "there is not a misstep throughout". Equally effusive, Liz Hoggard of The Observer wrote that "it's impossible to resist Blunt's troubadour yearning." The first single from All the Lost Souls , "1973", was inspired by Blunt's nights out at Pacha , an Ibiza club, which opened in that year. The song became another hit, reaching number one on
1166-718: A £15 million donation from the government of United Arab Emirates for the Zayed Building, an accommodation block, named after the UAE's founding ruler . In 2013, Sandhurst accepted a donation of £3 million from the Government of Bahrain for the refurbishment of Mons Hall, named in honour of the men who fell in the Battle of Mons . It was renamed as King Hamad Hall in honour of the King of Bahrain , which generated some controversy in
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#17327801715441272-863: Is Blunt's most successful single release to date. It was also his first successful single and reached number one in ten countries across the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and the Netherlands. The song peaked within the top five in New Zealand, number four, Australia, number two, France, and Germany. Released on 18 May 2005, it entered at number twelve on 5 June and reached number one six weeks later where it remained for five consecutive weeks. The highest position "You're Beautiful" reached in Australia
1378-500: Is a song by English singer-songwriter James Blunt . It was written by Blunt, Sacha Skarbek and Amanda Ghost for Blunt's debut album, Back to Bedlam (2004). It was released as the third single of the album in 2005. In the United Kingdom and Australia, the song reached number one and number two respectively. When released in Canada and the United States, it reached number one on both charts and received widespread airplay . In 2006,
1484-528: Is assigned to a platoon within one of two/three companies . Platoons are commanded by captains , with a colour sergeant who takes the main burden of day-to-day training, especially during the first term (unlike West Point, RMAS entrusts the majority of officer training to Senior Non-Commissioned Officers ). There can be as many as seven companies within RMAS at any one time. There can be additional companies of Army Reserve or 'professionally qualified officers' in
1590-721: Is awarded to the Officer Cadet who has achieved the best overall results in military, academic and practical studies. The King's Medal is presented on behalf of The Sovereign. Awarded to the International Cadet considered by the Commandant to be the best of the intake. The International Sword is donated by the Ministry of Defence, the State of Kuwait, in memory of Sheikh Ali Al Sabah, the former Defence Minister,
1696-585: Is awarded to the most improved International Cadet. The King Hussein Award is donated by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in memory of the late King Hussein of Jordan. This is awarded to the International Cadet who has produced an overall performance of particular merit. The Hodson's Horse Merit Award is donated by the Hodson's Horse British Officers' Memorial Trust. This is awarded at the discretion of
1802-475: Is like a book covering various aspects of life in a specific order." At the beginning of the song, Blunt sings the first line twice (" My life is brilliant "). The mistimed delivery was left in the final recording but omitted in most radio versions. This is parodied in "Weird Al" Yankovic 's song " You're Pitiful ": After the initial start, he says "What, was I too early? Oh, sorry. Should I...Do you wanna start over? Or, keep going? Okay. Now? Now?" and then begins
1908-408: Is looking for different qualities in its officers, and each cadet is considered on a case-by-case basis. At the beginning of Senior Term corps and regiments hold interviews, known as Regimental Selection Boards, to assist the corps and regiments in making offers to Officer Cadets. There can be competition among units for strong cadets and, conversely, among cadets for prestigious or specialised units. In
2014-815: Is named. The "Main Gate" is located on the east of the Academy on the London Road in Camberley. The "College Town Gate", which is used for regular access, is located on the west of the Academy on Yorktown Road in Sandhurst. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was formed on the site of the former Royal Military College (founded in 1801 for the training of officers for arms other than the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers ) in 1947 when it amalgamated with
2120-469: Is not a terrible record by any means, but there's little sense that Blunt has advanced, and equally little sense that it'll make any difference to his bottom line." As of February 2011, worldwide sales stand at over one million copies. Blunt's fourth album, Moon Landing , was released on 18 October 2013. It featured production from Back to Bedlam producer Tom Rothrock. The lead single, " Bonfire Heart ", debuted at number six before peaking at number four
2226-684: Is one of several military academies of the United Kingdom and is the British Army 's initial officer training centre. It is located in the town of Sandhurst, Berkshire , though its ceremonial entrance is in Camberley , Surrey , southwest of London . The academy's stated aim is to be "the national centre of excellence for leadership". All British Army officers, including late-entry officers who were previously Warrant Officers , as well as other men and women from overseas, are trained at
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#17327801715442332-705: Is split into three terms, each lasting fourteen weeks (referred to as the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions, identified by differently coloured badges ). Basic army training is covered in the first five weeks, which, by reputation, are the most gruelling (the families of the cadets are encouraged to support the cadets' morale by maintaining home contacts). The main RMAS Commissioning Courses start in January, May and September of each year. Each intake numbers approximately 200 cadets, each of whom
2438-1027: Is that the Sovereign's Platoon of Senior Division, instead of the new one, marches to receive the Banner. The Ensign, at the end of the parade, also marches into the Old College whilst carrying the Banner. At the end of the Parade, the Colours and the Senior Division leave the parade ground via the Grand Steps of the Old College building. They are followed by the Academy Adjutant on horseback (the origins of this tradition are unclear). Each Commissioning Course has awards granted to outstanding cadets. The following awards are presented during
2544-657: Is the first of three children, with two sisters. The family has a long history of military service, dating back to the 10th-century arrival of their Danish ancestors in England. Blunt grew up primarily in St Mary Bourne , but moved every two years according to his father's military postings around England ( Middle Wallop , Netheravon , and York ) as well as Cyprus ( Nicosia ) and Germany ( Soest ). He also spent time in Cley-next-the-Sea, where his father owned
2650-606: Is to be released in UK cinemas for one night only in December 2023. Blunt toured the album in 2024. Blunt primarily resides on the Spanish island of Ibiza . He also owns a chalet in the Swiss Alpine village of Verbier , where he has a ski lift named after him. In 2012, alongside motorcycle racer Carl Fogarty and rugby player Lawrence Dallaglio , he opened a restaurant at the top of the ski lift called La Vache. The same year, he
2756-493: The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards , with "You're Beautiful" winning the award for Best Male Video. In late 2005, Blunt made appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live . Eight of the songs on the album were featured in television shows ( The O.C. , Grey's Anatomy and many more), films ( Undiscovered ), and advertising campaigns ( Hilton Hotels , Sprint telecommunications) throughout 2005 and 2006. He performed "You're Beautiful" at
2862-538: The 49th Grammy Awards in February 2007, dedicating the song to the late Ahmet Ertegün of Atlantic Records , but he did not win in any of the five categories for which he had received nominations (including Best New Artist , won by Carrie Underwood ). The album sold 11.2 million copies and topped the album charts in 16 territories worldwide. It sold 2.6 million in the US and was certified 2× platinum. In Britain
2968-701: The Army Officer Selection Board (formerly the Regular Commissions Board, or RCB) situated in Westbury in Wiltshire . Assessment for regular or reserve direct entry service is undertaken at the same time, in the same groups, to the same standard. Nearly 10 per cent of British cadets are female and nearly 10 per cent of all cadets come from overseas. More than eighty percent of entrants are university graduates, although
3074-536: The Cley Windmill . Blunt was educated at Elstree School and then Harrow School , gaining A-levels in physics, chemistry, and economics. He then went to the University of Bristol , where he studied aerospace manufacturing engineering and sociology , graduating in 1996 with a BSc (Hons) . Like his father, he is a pilot and gained his fixed-winged private pilot licence at age 16. He also developed
3180-743: The Royal Military Academy in Woolwich (founded in 1741 for the training of officers for the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers). Following the ending of National Service in the UK and the closing of the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in 1972, the RMAS became the sole establishment for male initial officer training in the British Army, taking over the responsibilities of Mons for training Short Service Officer Cadets, Territorial Army officers, and those joining
3286-477: The US Military Academy at West Point , are carved into the black marble flooring. On panels devoted to the particular campaigns in which they died, are the names of former cadets killed in action. At intervals above the panels are circular tablets to the memory of College Governors. The names of former cadets who have died on active service in the field, or elsewhere are listed in the spaces between
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3392-1128: The United States , the École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr in France , the Royal Military College of Canada in Canada , the Pakistan Military Academy in Pakistan , the Nigerian Defence Academy in Nigeria or the Australian Defence Force Academy in Australia , Sandhurst is not a university. It only works with the Open University to award the Regular Commissioning Course 120 credit points towards
3498-530: The University of Bristol in 2016. Blunt is an active user of Twitter with over two million followers and a feed notable for self-deprecating humour. In 2020, Constable published a compendium of his tweets as a book called How to Be a Complete and Utter Blunt: Diary of a Reluctant Social Media Sensation . Blunt was a patron of Help for Heroes , a charity that raises money to provide better facilities for wounded British servicemen , and has also held benefit concerts for this charity. He has raised funds for
3604-605: The University of Bristol . Blunt was born James Hillier Blount at Tidworth Camp military hospital, then in Hampshire , England. His mother, Jane Ann Farran ( née Amos ), started a ski chalet company in the French Alpine resort of Méribel , while his father, Charles Blount, was a cavalry officer in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and then a helicopter pilot , becoming a Colonel in the Army Air Corps . He
3710-757: The 2000s in the UK , and is as of 2018 one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history . Blunt's second album, All the Lost Souls , released in 2007, reached number one in twelve countries. He went on to release a further five albums, at intervals of approximately three years: Some Kind of Trouble (2010), Moon Landing (2013), The Afterlove (2017), Once Upon a Mind (2019) and Who We Used to Be (2023). As of 2013, Blunt had sold over 20 million records worldwide. He has received several awards, including two Brit Awards —winning Best British Male in 2006—two MTV Video Music Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards , as well as receiving five Grammy Award nominations and an Honorary Doctorate of Music in 2016 from
3816-587: The AR or Officer Training Corps (OTC/UOTC), or Captains in PQO roles. 3. The Late Entry Officer Course (LEOC) for senior soldiers commissioning from the ranks. The RMAS has an academic faculty staffed by civilian researchers with expertise in Communication and Applied Behavioural Science, Defence and International Affairs, and War Studies. Unlike some other national military academies such as West Point in
3922-444: The Academy who take part in shorter (1–2 months) commissioning courses. Each company is commanded by a major and named after a famous battle or campaign in which the British Army fought. Cadets on the regular commissioning course nominate two regiments or corps that they seek to join during Junior Term. This choice may be influenced by their instructors, by family connections, or by regimental history, among other factors. Each regiment
4028-671: The BMI Internet Award for most plays on BMI-licensed websites in 2007 and was the first song to receive this honor at BMI's London Awards. The single was released in four official physical formats. CD1 includes an exclusive acoustic recording of "Fall at Your Feet", a cover taken from the BBC Radio 1 live lounge sessions. CD2 includes an exclusive acoustic version of "High", plus the video for "You're Beautiful" and "Making-Of" footage. The 7" vinyl includes an exclusive acoustic version of "So Long, Jimmy". The fourth physical format
4134-638: The Billboard European Hot 100 Singles chart. D.J. Pete Tong remixed "1973" and played the track during his set at Pacha over the summer of 2007. The second single, " Same Mistake ", was released in early December 2007 but did not fare well in the UK charts, peaking at number 57. It was Number one in Brazil and a hit in many South American countries. The third single from the album was " Carry You Home ", released in March 2008, peaking at number 20 in
4240-488: The CD to set up a meeting. Blunt left the British Army in 2002 so that he could pursue his musical career. He started using the stage name " James Blunt " in part to make it easier for others to spell; "Blount" is pronounced the same way, and remains his legal last name. Shortly after leaving the army he was signed to EMI music publishers and to Twenty-First Artists management. A record contract remained elusive, with label executives pointing to his posh speaking voice as
4346-423: The Colour falls to the Sovereign's Platoon, the then-Champion Company/Platoon. The Sovereign's Platoon, which wears multi-coloured lanyards, using the colours of all three Divisions, is selected on merit and is the best platoon amongst the Division; these officer cadets are chosen from a competition in drill, orienteering, shooting and a cross-country race, ensuring they are of the best in endurance and teamwork. In
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4452-605: The Commandant for exceptional achievement. In recognition of sustained and exemplary performance of merit and superb representation of their countries the Royal Military Academy. In December 2016, the academy and its charitable trust created the Sandhurst Medal. Unlike most British medals, it is not awarded or authorised by the Sovereign and is instead awarded privately by the Sandhurst Trust. It may only be awarded to international cadets who have passed out from Sandhurst, not British graduates, and must be purchased for £250. Notable graduates such as Abdullah II of Jordan have mounted
4558-420: The Old College to mark the " passing-out " and the final parade at Sandhurst of the Senior Division. All cadets, except for those who have been back-termed through injury or other reasons, are inspected by the Sovereign (or their representative), participate in the Trooping the Colour and parade past the Sovereign (or his representative) and guests. Guests consist of invited dignitaries and friends and families of
4664-409: The Regular Army as graduates. For nearly half-a-century the welfare of overseas cadets was handled by Sandhurst volunteer Margaret Jones . In 1984, the Women's Officer Training College Bagshot was also merged into Sandhurst. In 1992, a new Commissioning Course finally unified the training of male, female, and overseas cadets. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Collection illustrates the history of
4770-405: The Regular service. 2. The Short Commissioning Course, which is for Army Reserve officers and both regular and reserve service professionally qualified officers (e.g., doctors , dentists , nurses , lawyers , pharmacists , veterinary surgeons and chaplains ), which lasts eight weeks. The short course consists of four training modules; the first two, Modules A and B, can be completed under
4876-414: The Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The collection includes the Gentlemen Cadet registers, historic archives, uniforms, paintings, photographs, and other artefacts. For the 1948 Summer Olympics in London , the newly created Academy hosted the running leg of the modern pentathlon competition. In 2012, Sandhurst accepted
4982-413: The Sovereign's Parade. Others are merely listed in the Parade programme. A system of Cadet Government also recognises merit by the appointment of Senior Under Officers, Junior Under Officers, Cadet Sergeants and Cadet Corporals. The Sword of Honour is Awarded to the Officer Cadet considered by the Commandant to be the best of the intake. The Sword of Honour is donated and crafted by Pooley Sword . This
5088-445: The State of Kuwait. This is awarded to the International Cadet who has achieved the best overall results in military, academic and practical studies. The International Award is donated by the State of Qatar. The MacRobert Sword is awarded to the Officer Cadet considered by the Commandant to be, overall, the best of the Short Commissioning Course. This sword is also donated by the MacRobert Trust and produced by Pooley Sword . This
5194-493: The U.K charts and bringing the album back into the Top 10, six months after its release. The fourth and final single from the original "All The Lost Souls" album was " I Really Want You ". Blunt collaborated twice during this album cycle. In late 2007, he worked with French rapper Sinik . They released "Je Réalise", which took elements of Blunt's song "I'll Take Everything", which hit the top three in France. On 14 November 2008, " Primavera in anticipo ", Laura Pausini 's new album,
5300-469: The UK top 40. The second single from the album, "So Far Gone" was released in the UK on 3 January 2011. The third single from the album, "If Time Is All I Have" was released in the UK on 4 April 2011. Overall critical reception has been mixed, with Allmusic saying, in a positive review, that "Some Kind of Trouble is a step in the right direction for Blunt, a move toward love songs free of pretension" whilst BBC Music felt "When all's said, Some Kind of Trouble
5406-416: The UK, propelling Back to Bedlam to number one on the UK Albums Chart . The extensive airplay ultimately led to Blunt and his co-writers being awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work. After the success of "You're Beautiful" in the UK, the song crossed over to mainland Europe, becoming one of the biggest hits of summer 2005 across the continent. In the US, "You're Beautiful" made its debut in
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#17327801715445512-399: The Underground in London with her new man, who I didn't know existed. She and I caught eyes and lived a lifetime in that moment, but didn't do anything about it and haven't seen each other since." According to Blunt, he wrote the lyrics of the song at home in two minutes after meeting her, and then finished the song with Sacha Skarbek in Los Angeles , and with Amanda Ghost also credited as
5618-580: The United Kingdom. In 2015, Sandhurst appointed Colonel Lucy Giles as the first female college commander in its history. In 2019, Sandhurst gained widespread media attention in Britain after cadet Olivia Perks took her own life after an alleged affair with a superior at Sandhurst and amid fears she was going to be dismissed. In May 2023, an inquest into her death found that the army missed chances to prevent Perks's suicide in failing to recognise signs of stress. Potential officers, for regular, reserve, or professional qualified service, are identified by
5724-460: The Wind 1997 " (1997). It achieved success on the Billboard Pop 100 , Hot Digital Songs , Adult Contemporary , and Adult Top 40 formats. It has been certified double platinum by the RIAA for digital and platinum for mastertone . It has sold over three million in the United States. The song received three nominations at the 2007 Grammy Awards : Record of the Year , Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance . The song won
5830-416: The academy. Sandhurst is the British Army equivalent of the Britannia Royal Naval College and the Royal Air Force College Cranwell . Despite its name, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst's address is located in Camberley ; the boundaries of the academy straddle the counties of Berkshire and Surrey . The county border is marked by a small stream known as the Wish Stream, after which the academy journal
5936-696: The album sold over three million copies, was certified 10× platinum, and entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest selling album in one year. In 2005, Blunt performed 90 live shows, mainly across the UK and Europe, and supported Jason Mraz in a North American tour. The "Back to Bedlam World Tour" started off in January 2006, covering cities in Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, as well as three separate headline tours in North America, ending in November of that year. Not including promotional appearances, he performed over 140 live shows in 2006. The videos for all of Blunt's singles from Back To Bedlam feature symbolism and dark imagery. In
6042-409: The album's songs at his home in Ibiza in the winter of 2006–2007. He performed five of the ten album tracks during his 2005–2006 tours; lyrics, melodies, and harmonies were refined for the studio recording, on which his touring band played and Tom Rothrock worked as producer. While Blunt's first album received little critical attention, critics from every major music publication, and newspapers around
6148-404: The album, and he recorded the song " Goodbye My Lover " in her bathroom. Back to Bedlam was released in the UK in October 2004. Blunt's debut single in the UK was " High " (co-written with Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue ). This song initially peaked below the Top 100 of the UK Singles Chart ; after the subsequent success of " You're Beautiful " it made the Top 75 before being re-released. The song
6254-450: The cadre, they would have had to have passed a 'Divisional pre-selection' course, meaning it would not be unusual for over double the 60 places to be contested. Sergeants, Staff/Colour Sergeants (Colour Sergeants from Infantry units) attend the Instructors Cadre. The Instructors Cadre is known to be demanding, both physically and mentally, compressing all the prominent physical tests and mental assessments that each officer cadet undertakes over
6360-414: The coffin of the Queen Mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon during her lying in state and was part of the associated funeral procession on 9 April 2002. A keen skier, Blunt captained the Household Cavalry alpine ski team in Verbier , Switzerland, becoming the Royal Armoured Corps giant slalom champion in 2000. He left the army on 1 October 2002 having served six years. Blunt had piano and violin lessons as
6466-406: The director of the video states in a "making-of" piece of footage that "the idea [of the video] is built around the last line, where he says, 'I'll never be with you', and that idea of completely forgetting about something, of getting rid of that emotion, and moving on, and I think that the video is a sort of visual manifestation of that emotion." On 9 November 2021, Blunt announced a 4K remaster of
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#17327801715446572-478: The documentary James Blunt: Return to Kosovo . Blunt's third studio album titled Some Kind of Trouble , was released on 8 November 2010. The album debuted at number four in the UK with over 100,000 copies sold in the first week. The album's first single " Stay the Night " was released on 27 October 2010. The single did much better in Europe than the UK, sitting at number two on the European Airplay Chart for five consecutive weeks, but only charting at number 37 in
6678-475: The first video for "High", he is buried in a desert. In the first video for "Wisemen", he is kidnapped and taken hostage. In the video for "You're Beautiful", he alludes to suicide by jumping off a cliff into the sea. In the " Goodbye My Lover " video, he is the outsider in a love triangle, imagining the couple, a man and woman (played by Matt Dallas of Kyle XY and Mischa Barton of The O.C. ) together. The re-release video for "High" features Blunt running in
6784-408: The following week in the UK Singles Chart. The single went to number 1 in Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and was in the top 10 in several other countries. On 16 September 2014, Blunt confirmed on his official Instagram account that Moon Landing would be re-released on 3 November 2014. The new version of the album was named Moon Landing – Apollo Edition and contained 19 tracks: 11 from
6890-400: The front lines, locating and targeting Serbian forces for the NATO bombing campaign . On 12 June 1999, the troop led the 30,000-strong NATO peacekeeping force from the North Macedonia border towards Pristina International Airport . However, a Russian military contingent had moved in and taken control of the airport before his unit's arrival. American NATO commander Wesley Clark ordered that
6996-447: The graduating cadets. One of the highlights of the Parade is Trooping the Colour. The Colour trooped is the Sovereign's Banner and the current banner is the third generation of itself, presented by Elizabeth II in March 1999; the first Sovereign's Banner, known as the "King George V's Banner", was presented by George V on 6 November 1918 and the second one was presented by Queen Elizabeth on 27 October 1978. The honour of Trooping
7102-429: The medal on their military uniforms. There are two chapels within the academy, the Roman Catholic Chapel (Christ the King) and the Royal Memorial Chapel, dedicated as Christ Church, which also contains the South Africa Chapel, which was originally the sanctuary of the second Chapel before it was enlarged. The original chapel was what is now known as the British Indian Army Memorial Room. The Royal Engineers designed
7208-422: The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières . He first encountered the non-governmental organisation while on operations in Kosovo. Since then, he has been an active supporter by holding meet-and-greet auctions at many of his concerts, and filming the documentary Return to Kosovo , in which he visited the people and places he had encountered while there. Blunt also has supported environmental causes. He screened
7314-434: The music aspect to the track, contributing chord ideas for the verses, honing the melodies, and making sure the song stuck to, "a couple of key hooks rather than making it too complicated". Several versions of the song exist. One lyrical version has an explicit word in it (" She could see from my face that I was fucking high ") which was released on Back to Bedlam and most of the "You're Beautiful" singles. The radio edit of
7420-432: The next Sovereign's Platoon in the next Sovereign's Parade; they had the privilege of leaving the parade before other divisions after the Senior Division officer cadets had marched into the Old College and the remainders of the parade would salute the banner while they were leaving the parade square. Nowadays, the handover of the Sovereign's Banner from the senior Sovereign's Platoon to a new one dissipates. What replaces it
7526-417: The opportunity to earn a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies through their military service, which is awarded by the University of Reading . In overall command of the RMAS is the Academy Commandant , usually an officer of Major General rank. The senior warrant officer, the Academy Sergeant Major (AcSM), is one of the most senior warrant officers in the British Army. The regular commissioning course
7632-663: The original Chapel, which features red brick, terracotta moulding, interlocking pediment copies and corbels in 1879. The chapel was dedicated by King George VI on 2 May 1937, after architect Captain Arthur C. Martin enlarged the building in a Byzantine style . The Memorial stained glass and Windows in the chapel honour the Brigade of Guards , Rifle Brigade , Royal Fusiliers , and the Hampshire Regiment , among other units. Some memorials, including one honouring alumni of
7738-438: The original disc, plus the three bonus tracks of the deluxe version ("Telephone", "Kiss This Love Goodbye", and "Hollywood") and five new tracks ("Smoke Signals", "When I Find Love Again", "Breathe", "Trail of Broken Hearts", and "Working it Out"). The new track "When I Find Love Again" was released as a single that same day, after being played on BBC's Radio 2 for the first time. The official music video for "When I Find Love Again"
7844-682: The outside of his tank and would sometimes perform for locals and troops. While on duty there he wrote the song " No Bravery ". Blunt extended his military service in November 2000 and was posted to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in London, as a member of the Queen's Guard . During this posting, he was featured on the television programme Girls on Top , a series highlighting unusual career choices. He stood guard at
7950-519: The parody to be included on a Weird Al album before it was formally recorded, but Atlantic Records , Blunt's label, stepped in to forbid the commercial release of the song. Yankovic has since made the song available as a free MP3 download on his website. Yankovic tweeted a quote that was apparently from a message by Blunt's manager, saying "Thanks for your email, but both James and I will never approve this parody to be released on any label." On 28 December 2009, BBC Radio 1 announced that Back to Bedlam
8056-505: The past, cadets might have been offered a so-called "confirmed cadetship", whereby they would effectively accept a commission into a given regiment prior to commencing the Commissioning Course. As of the January 2023 intake, Confirmed Cadetships are no longer offered to Officer Cadets, other than in very rare cases including technical expertise or a cadet being aged 30 or older when they start the commissioning course. Cadets on
8162-541: The past, the Sovereign's Platoon from the Senior Division formed the Colour Party with the Banner on the left flank of the parade; after the inspecting officer had completed inspection, the Colour Party would move to the centre place of the parade before the Saluting Base, awaiting the new Sovereign's Platoon to take possession of the Banner. The new Sovereign's Platoon would keep the Banner until handing it to
8268-484: The release of his debut album Back to Bedlam , achieving worldwide fame with the singles " You're Beautiful " and " Goodbye My Lover ". His first album had sold over 12 million copies worldwide by December 2009, topping the UK Albums Chart and peaking at number two in the US. "You're Beautiful" reached number one in thirteen countries, including the UK and the US. Back to Bedlam was the best-selling album of
8374-462: The short course will have already been sponsored by a reserve unit, a professionally qualified unit, or a University Officers' Training Corps, and will return to their unit post completion of the course. A small number of regular army units are based at the RMAS to provide support for the colleges and their training: The first Sovereign's Parade was held on 14 July 1948, in front of King George VI . Three Sovereign's Parades are held each year outside
8480-404: The song again. The music video for "You're Beautiful" was directed by Sam Brown. Blunt removes the upper portion of his clothing in a cold, bare, snowy setting and places all of his personal belongings on the ground. While doing this, seagulls circle overhead like buzzards . At the end of the video, he jumps off a cliff and falls into the water while he sings the lyrics: "But it's time to face
8586-412: The song replaces the explicit lyric, changing it to " She could see from my face that I was flying high ". Acoustic, live, and DVD versions have also been released. However, because of the word in question, the album was given a Parental Advisory sticker. When asked about the song, Blunt responded, "It's probably one of the least meaningful songs on the album and by no means people's favourite. The album
8692-560: The song won an Ivor Novello Award for airplay. The song has sold 625,000 copies in the U.K. as stated by the Official Charts Company , and by October 2012 over three million in the U.S., where it remains Blunt's biggest hit single to date, and his only one to reach the top 40 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 . In 2012, a new version of the single was issued in Japan. The Q;indivi+ Remix, featuring Japanese performer Keri,
8798-568: The summer of 2005 on WPLJ , a prominent radio station in New York City, despite not having been released to radio. The song was released to radio stations in the autumn of 2005 and climbed into the Top 10 in three radio formats: Adult Contemporary Music , Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks , and Adult album alternative . Blunt became the first British artist to top the American singles chart in nearly
8904-466: The supervision of RMAS with University Officers' Training Corps over a number of weekends, or at RMAS where each module lasts two weeks. The final two modules, modules C and D, of the Officers' training and assessment must be conducted at Sandhurst. This training can all be completed in an eight-week period at RMAS, or over a number of years. Upon completion, Officer Cadets become Second Lieutenants in
9010-512: The taking." After the release of the album, concert support slots for Elton John and Lloyd Cole and the Commotions in late 2004 and early 2005 followed, as did a band residency at London club 93 Feet East. In March 2005, his second single, " Wisemen ", was released. Blunt's third single, "You're Beautiful", was his break-out hit. The song debuted at number 12 in the UK, and reached number one six weeks later. The song received huge airplay in
9116-521: The trailer for An Inconvenient Truth at his concerts, and for each advance sales concert ticket purchased through his designated website, a tree is planted. On 7 July 2007, he performed at the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium in London . He contributed to the charity single, " Everybody Hurts " in aid of the 2010 Haiti earthquake appeal. You%27re Beautiful " You're Beautiful "
9222-455: The truth, I will never be with you". According to Blunt, he had to jump twice and suffered a split lip in the jumps. The video was filmed in Mallorca , Spain on 23 March 2005. At least one writer's interpretation is that it shows Blunt taking his own life , perhaps following a Japanese tradition of removing one's shoes and contents of clothing prior to jumping from a great height. However,
9328-456: The unit forcibly take the airport from the Russians. Blunt questioned the order and General Mike Jackson , the British commander, refused the order, telling Clark that they were "not going to start World War Three for you". Blunt has said that he would have refused to obey such an order if Jackson had not blocked it. During Blunt's Kosovo assignment, he had taken along his guitar strapped to
9434-441: The video on his Instagram. The video has been parodied in a Dead Ringers spoof, with Jon Culshaw impersonating Blunt, singing the song with different lyrics where he explains how he can be cool. About.com gave the song four and a half stars out of five, saying "The simple power of Blunt's songwriting is effective at conveying the pain of realizing he will never be with the object of his affections." "You're Beautiful"
9540-426: The work of James Blunt". While still in the army, Blunt would write songs during his time off. A backing vocalist and songwriting collaborator suggested he contact Elton John 's manager, Todd Interland, with whom she used to share a house. Interland told HitQuarters that he listened to Blunt's demo while driving home and, after hearing the track "Goodbye My Lover", pulled over and called the mobile number written on
9646-479: The world, weighed in on All the Lost Souls . The album was met with generally mixed to positive reviews, and received a 53/100 rating at Metacritic . Eric Danton, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Hartford Courant wrote that the album is "a collection so bland, it makes hardtack seem sumptuous". However, Kerri Mason of Billboard said Blunt "shows the abandon and confidence of
9752-716: The year course, into 3/4 weeks. No other instructor posting has a selection to pass in order to be a part of a training team. There are three commissioning courses run at the academy. All are accredited by various academic and professional institutions, in particular the Chartered Management Institute . The Regular Commissioning Course, and increasingly the Short Course, are attended by international officer cadets from other nations' land forces. The three courses are: 1. The Regular Commissioning Course, which lasts 44 weeks, for Direct Entry officers into
9858-487: Was a victim of the News International phone hacking affair and filed for damages in a civil case. On 6 September 2014, Blunt married Sofia Wellesley, the granddaughter of Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington . Blunt and Wellesley have two sons; the godfather of their elder son is Ed Sheeran , and the godmother was Carrie Fisher . Blunt received the honorary degree of Doctor of Music (Hon DMus) from
9964-520: Was an exclusive version of CD1, only available at HMV , which includes an additional third track, in the form of an acoustic version of "You're Beautiful". This version was also sold in Australia. Sales figures based on certification alone. Shipments figures based on certification alone. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst ( RMAS or RMA Sandhurst ), commonly known simply as Sandhurst ,
10070-479: Was chosen to appear in a Vodafone commercial in Italy, and was a Top 10 hit in that country. The debut album from the unknown Blunt initially attracted little critical attention; there were no published reviews from major UK music journals. His live performances, mainly in support of better-known musicians, received generally favourable reviews. His lack of performing experience and inconsistent approach with audiences
10176-476: Was commented upon, while his music was likened to that of Damien Rice and David Gray . In March 2004, with Blunt performing in the support role for Katie Melua in Manchester, Alex McCann of Designer Magazine wrote, "Blunt's ascendance is a dead cert and this time next year it isn't that far removed from reality to suggest that a number one album, Brit Award and countless accolade's [sic] will be his for
10282-479: Was issued on 28 March 2012. The song is performed in the key of E♭ major. Newspapers have claimed that "You're Beautiful" is about a former girlfriend of Blunt, Dixie Chassay, casting assistant for the Harry Potter films , although Blunt refuses to confirm or deny this. On 8 March 2006 on The Oprah Winfrey Show , Blunt said of the song, "It's kind of miserable. It was about seeing my ex-girlfriend on
10388-567: Was number two, where it stayed for two consecutive weeks. In November 2005, "You're Beautiful" was released in North America where it achieved widespread success. In Canada, it ascended to number one (where it remained for four consecutive weeks) 22 weeks following its debut on the BDS Airplay chart. In the United States, it debuted at number 88 before reaching number one 17 weeks later. It replaced Beyoncé 's " Check on It " and itself
10494-419: Was ranked number seven in a poll conducted by Rolling Stone magazine to identify the 10 most annoying songs. VH1 ranked it number 95 on its list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s. In October 2014, Blunt stated it had become so ubiquitous that it was "force-fed down people's throats". It has been named as one of the worst songs ever recorded , despite its positive critical reviews. "You're Beautiful"
10600-644: Was released in March 2017. In 2019, Blunt collaborated with German DJ and producer Alle Farben to release "Walk Away" in the dance music genre. Blunt's sixth album, Once Upon a Mind , was released on 25 October 2019. He released the song "Cold" as the lead single on 29 August. His first "greatest hits" album The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004–2021) was released on 19 November 2021 and included four new songs, two of them released as singles: "Love Under Pressure" and "Unstoppable". A Greatest Hits tour followed, with UK dates in February 2022. On 2 August 2023, Blunt announced his seventh album, Who We Used to Be , which
10706-615: Was released on 14 October 2014. The new version of the album also contains a 19-track live DVD recorded during Blunt's performance in the 2014 edition of the Paléo Festival , Switzerland. On 3 May 2015, Blunt was confirmed to be replacing Ronan Keating on the seventh season of The X Factor Australia . He was joined by American rock musician Chris Isaak and returning judges Guy Sebastian and Dannii Minogue . In early 2016, Blunt announced via his newsletter that he had started work on his fifth album. Titled The Afterlove , it
10812-481: Was released on 27 October 2023, while releasing a single "Beside You" from the album on the same day. Blunt then released singles "All The Love That I Ever Needed" and " The Girl That Never Was ", the latter of which was written about Blunt and his wife losing a child through miscarriage. The album was released the same day as Blunt's "non-memoir" Loosely Based on a Made-Up Story: A Non-Memoir . An in-depth documentary about Blunt's life and career, titled One Brit Wonder ,
10918-560: Was released. The title track is a duet with Blunt. The album reached the Number one in Italy. Throughout 2007 and 2008, Blunt went on his second world tour, including a performance in London's O2 Arena . In July and August 2008, he supported Sheryl Crow on a 25-date tour along with Toots and the Maytals . On 24 November 2008, All The Lost Souls was re-released as a deluxe edition, with new album artwork, new single " Love, Love, Love " and
11024-452: Was replaced by Ne-Yo 's " So Sick ". The song became the first non- urban or American Idol song to reach the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 since Nickelback 's " How You Remind Me " in 2001. While " Hollaback Girl " by Gwen Stefani achieved the same accolade, it has been disputed due to the song's hip-hop-based influences. This also became the first single by a British artist to reach number one since Elton John 's " Candle in
11130-448: Was the biggest-selling album of the 2000s decade in the United Kingdom. Blunt's second studio album, All the Lost Souls , was released on 17 September 2007 in the United Kingdom and one day later in North America. It sold 65,000 units in its first week, and was certified gold in the UK after only four days. By the end of January 2008, the album had sold 600,000 copies in the UK, and 4.5 million copies internationally. Blunt completed
11236-691: Was trained in British Army Training Unit Suffield in Alberta, Canada, where his regiment was posted for six months in 1998 to act as the opposing army in combat training exercises. In 1999, Blunt volunteered to join a squadron of the Blues and Royals who deployed with NATO to Kosovo . Initially assigned to carry out reconnaissance of the North Macedonia– Yugoslavia border, Blunt's troop worked ahead of
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