Paul Heaton The Mighty Several
Released Oct 11, 2024 EMI
Early read 2 professional reviews Updated Dec 31, 2025
Broadly positive consensus
Early read based on 2 professional reviews. Paul Heaton's The Mighty Several returns him to the wry, pub-room storytelling that has defined his best work, with critics pointing to communal singalongs and stingingly funny observation as the record's strengths.
How ChoruScore worksCritics' Top Tracks
The songs critics returned to most
National Treasure (feat. Rianne Downey)
2 critic mentions
“The term 'national treasure' – also the title of the opening track here – seems apposite” — Mojo
Silly Me (feat. Rianne Downey & Yvonne Shelton)
1 critic mention
“duets brilliantly with able Manchester-scene singer Yvonne Shelton on Silly Me” — Mojo
Pull Up A Seat (feat. Danny Muldoon)
1 critic mention
“Muldoon’s an animated, engaging presence on Small Boats and a soulful one on Pull Up A Seat” — Mojo
Full critic consensus
Paul Heaton's The Mighty Several returns him to the wry, pub-room storytelling that has defined his best work, with critics pointing to communal singalongs and stingingly funny observation as the record's strengths. Across professional reviews, the collection earned an 80/100 consensus score from two reviews, a signal that the album's blend of dark humour, political commentary and everyday British life lands more often than it falters. Critics consistently singled out “National Treasure (feat. Rianne Downey)” as the central triumph, with “Silly Me (feat. Rianne Downey & Yvonne Shelton)”, “Small Boats (feat. Danny Muldoon)” and “Pull Up A Seat (feat. Danny Muldoon)” also noted for their warmth and detail.
Reviewers praise the record's emphasis on collaboration and duet-driven textures, arguing that the featured voices amplify Heaton's empathy and working-class observation rather than dilute it. Production by Ian Broudie receives credit for framing jaunty arrangements around jaundiced lyrics about alcohol, family strain and enduring love, so that moments of bonhomie sit beside sharper political bite. Critics agree the album's best tracks balance light and shade: character sketches that reward repeat plays and communal listening.
While both reviews are broadly favorable, they also imply limits - the album's strength is situational songwriting rather than radical reinvention - yet the critical consensus suggests The Mighty Several is a worthy, human-scaled entry in Heaton's catalog and a record that will appeal to those who prize lyric-driven, community-minded songwriting. Read on for detailed reviews and track-by-track notes.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
National Treasure (feat. Rianne Downey)
Quicksand (feat. Rianne Downey)
After The Sugar Rush
Fish ‘N’ Chip Supper
H Into Hurt (feat. Rianne Downey)
Silly Me (feat. Rianne Downey & Yvonne Shelton)
Small Boats (feat. Danny Muldoon)
Just Another Family (feat. Rianne Downey)
Pull Up A Seat (feat. Danny Muldoon)
The Blues Came In
Couldn’t Get Dead (feat. Rianne Downey)
Walk On, Slow Down
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What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 5 critics who reviewed this album
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Critic's Take
The reviewer's wry, observant voice highlights how those tracks pair jaunty arrangements with jaundiced lyrics, making them the standout moments on the album. Heaton's songs about enduring love, ruined families and pub life - anchored by Ian Broudie's production - mark the best tracks on The Mighty Several as both warm and rueful. Overall the album's strongest moments are those that balance light and shade with sharp, humane detail.
Key Points
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The album's core strengths are its dark humour, observant portraits of British life, and Ian Broudie's production that pairs light and shade.
Themes
Critic's Take
The review frames these as the best tracks on The Mighty Several because they marry sharp observation with tuneful, accessible arrangements. Overall McNair presents the record as a warmly engaged, worldly-wise set where the strongest songs reward repeated listening.
Key Points
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The album's core strengths are its conversational, pub-forged lyrics, collaborative vocal warmth, and blend of political bite with convivial tunes.
Themes
