PAULO Nutini's debut album has created quite a storm, and quite rightly so.

My curiosity was piqued by the catchy and listenable single Last Request as well as rave reviews from the T In The Park festival - and the album is definitely as impressive as people say.

Nutini has plenty to say. His album records his experiences of moving to London and, unusually for an artist these days, he not only wants to share his feelings with the world but seems to be positively trying to provide something other people can relate to as well.

Quite a few of the songs on the album, including Last Request and Rewind, were inspired by Nutini's turbulent relationship with a girlfriend and it is refreshing to have an artist speak of his own life experiences - yet without the sentimentality and dirge-like depression that so many do.

Signed to Atlantic Records just after his 18th birthday, the Scot's musical background and talent shine through his album with well thought-out lyrics, finely crafted tunes and a bluesy, soulful voice that captures the mood and tone of all of his songs.

Nutini has captured our attention with These Streets and has the benefit of plenty of time to grow and develop as an artist.

But now he is faced with the challenge of doing this and bettering his first offering.

If the second album is more of the same, we could be stuck with a one-trick pony.

ECB