Everywhere I Went.. Led Tom Grennan to Exactly Where He's Supposed to Be.

Tom Grennan is back with his highly anticipated fourth studio album, Everywhere I Went, Led Me to Where I Didn’t Want to Be.

Following the hugely successful release of What Ifs & Maybes in 2023 and with two number one albums already under his belt, Grennan has delivered his most profound work to date. The opener, Full Attention, is exactly as it sounds. Grennan’s powerful rasp pulls you into cathartic pop, the previously released single setting the tone perfectly for the album ahead. Despite its upbeat sound and catchy harmonies, a closer listen reveals a commentary on the modern world. Messy, chaotic, and full of noise, where finding a real connection can be difficult with the overwhelming noise..

The first of his new offerings, Cool With That, follows. If Grennan had a signature sound, this track would define it. Joyous and uplifting, with gospel-esque harmonies over the chorus and a horn section that demands you dance, it’s classic Tom. Swiftly after comes one of the earlier singles, Shadowboxing. Incredibly catchy in tone, yet lyrically exploring the struggle of fighting yourself, both literally and metaphorically. It’s one of several tracks on the album that touch on mental health, referencing Grennan’s daily battle with the “beast inside” and the effort to tame it. This theme is directly connected to the album artwork, which depicts two versions of Tom in opposite corners of a boxing ring, one victorious and the other defeated. In recent interviews, he confirmed that the record was born from a period of darkness, reflecting his mental struggle to return to a stronger version of himself after realising he had fallen some dark paths. While the music often feels euphoric, the album as a whole carries this central theme: the constant push and pull between who you are and who you want to be, with all the messy, heartbreaking realisations that come along the way.

A reflective checkpoint comes with Somewhere Only We Go, seemingly rooted in a longing to reconnect with an old love. It feels like going back to the foundations of a relationship, revisiting shared places that remain special no matter how much life has changed. It’s a wistful, “wishing you well from afar” kind of love. Shadows on the Ceiling follows, offering a more sensual take on intimacy and the bliss of being completely absorbed by another person’s presence.

The upbeat energy continues with Celebrate and Certified, which sandwich the already beloved Higher. Then comes Diamond, a track that encapsulates the album’s vibrant core. With playful piano, funk-influenced grooves, and polished production, it sparkles with infectious joy. Lyrically, it celebrates how having the right person beside you can make you shine brighter, adding an extra glimmer to your life and inspiring you to be the best version of yourself.

To accompany the release, Grennan has been treating fans to a series of intimate acoustic performances and signings across the country. One highlight was a stunning set in Bristol at the iconic Prospect Buildings. Walking on stage to cheers from a packed venue casually with a mic in one hand and a mug in the other, his laid-back entrance belied the power of what was to follow. An hour of cherished songs, personal stories, and a glimpse into his newest material.

Opening with Full Attention, he instantly had the audience singing along. The stripped-back format created an atmosphere of pure presence and intimacy. Supported mostly by two backing vocalists and a guitarist, Grennan was at times completely alone on stage, a fitting metaphor for an artist who bares so much vulnerability through his music.

One of the most moving moments came with I Won’t Miss a Thing, released as a single last month. Seated at a keyboard under a single spotlight, Grennan hushed the room into silence with this tender ballad about making peace with the loss of a loved one. Inspired by his grandfather, the song is, in his words, about “holding on to every laugh, every story, every quiet moment we have… learning to let go while still feeling someone with you, guiding you, protecting you, even after they’re gone.” The performance was a punch to the chest, reminding listeners to treasure the time they have with loved ones and offering comfort that those we lose never truly leave us.

Throughout the set, Grennan repeatedly thanked the crowd, but his closing reflection carried special weight. For artists who pour so much of themselves into their music, he explained, intimate shows are where the real magic happens, spaces where the connection with fans is personal and raw. While arena tours bring their own scale and spectacle, it’s easy to see why these smaller moments matter so deeply to both artist and audience. To watch lyrics resonate so tangibly, with emotions written on faces in the crowd, is rare and beautiful, a testament to the power of Grennan’s vulnerable songwriting.

Overall, Everywhere I Went, Led Me to Where I Didn’t Want to Be is a distinct evolution of Grennan’s sound. With collaborators such as Justin Tranter shaping its slick production, the album leaves you uplifted, ready to dance, yet also more willing to reflect on the parts of yourself you may struggle with. Grennan’s punchy pop presence has gained new sparkle while holding onto the emotional resonance that makes his music so special.

With a headline UK and European tour kicking off next month, Tom Grennan is cementing his place as one of the most compelling voices in British pop. If he wasn’t already on your radar, he absolutely should be.