Sunny Side Up

Sunny Side Up represents a pivotal turning point in Paolo Nutini's career, marking his transition from a teenage pop sensation to a respected soul-folk craftsman. Following the success of his debut, These Streets, Nutini took a more hands-on approach, producing much of the record himself alongside Ethan Johns. The album is notable for its diverse palette of influences, ranging from the legendary trombone work of Rico Rodriguez to the rhythmic precision of Questlove. Critics, including those at AllMusic and BBC Music, praised the album for its organic feel and Nutini's vocal growth, noting that his 'weathered-beyond-his-years' rasp had become a formidable instrument. The record was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one in the UK and becoming one of the best-selling albums of the year. It remains a definitive example of the late-2000s soul revival, distinguished by its authentic embrace of vintage recording techniques and its refusal to stick to a single genre lane.