Olly Murs has unveiled a strikingly different sound with his new album, *Knees Up*, a record already sparking intense reactions from fans. The collection of twelve tracks represents a bold departure for the artist known for hits like “Dance With Me Tonight,” and it’s proving to be surprisingly divisive.
The album’s unexpected turn has drawn comparisons – some flattering, others less so. While some listeners hear echoes of The Madness and declare it the most authentic representation of Murs yet, others recall Robbie Williams’ experimental *Rudebox* era. But it’s a specific lyric that’s truly captured attention: a playful verse about being spotted “in Tesco’s by the mangoes in an old pair of shoes.”
The mango lyric quickly went viral, prompting a flurry of comments online. One user playfully questioned Murs’ pronunciation, noting a peculiar accent on the word “mangooooss.” Others admitted the line was instantly stuck in their heads, while some confessed to struggling to embrace the album’s new direction despite a past fondness for his music.
Fans playfully debated the album’s influences, with one joking about a potential rivalry between Murs and Shakespeare. Many observed a clear shift in genre, describing the album as a surprising foray into ska music. A TikTok trend emerged, with users creating videos that captured the “villain sneaking” vibe of the opening track, “Knees Up.”
Despite the mixed reactions, a significant number of fans are enthusiastically embracing the change. Some praised the album as a masterpiece, while others highlighted the strength of specific tracks like “Love=Madness” and “Cut To The Chase.” The overall sentiment among many is that *Knees Up* feels genuinely, refreshingly *him*.
Adding to the intrigue, Murs initially teased fans with a playful announcement suggesting *Knees Up* would be his final album. He spoke of fifteen years of hard work culminating in this release, hinting at a potential retirement and a final show on December 8th. However, he quickly clarified that the announcement was a joke, reassuring his fans he wasn’t stepping away from music.
The initial retirement scare stemmed from a lighthearted voice note shared with his online fan community. The message, intended as a playful way to promote the album’s release, was misinterpreted by the press and quickly spread online. Murs explained he simply wanted to have a bit of fun with his “Murs Army.”
Recently, Murs revealed a newfound sense of creative freedom, describing this era as “Olly 2.0.” He explained that *Knees Up* represents the music he’s always wanted to create, a departure from trying to anticipate what audiences expected. He’s embracing a more authentic, “rough around the edges” sound, influenced by his earlier work.
Having achieved five UK number one albums, Murs admits he’s reached a point where chart success is no longer his primary focus. He’s prioritizing artistic fulfillment over commercial pressure, stating that while he hopes for a number one record, he’s content regardless of the outcome. He’s finally reached a place where he simply “doesn’t give a fk.”
This new album arrives following a nationwide tour and shortly after becoming a father to two children. It’s a record born from a place of newfound perspective and a willingness to embrace artistic risk. *Knees Up* isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of artistic liberation.
