Will Young is “an all rounder, a blinder” says his new record label boss, Island president Darcus Beese. The singer’s latest album, 85% Proof, is “the easiest A&R job” that Beese has done “in many a year”. Released on May 25, it’s Young’s sixth and was produced by previous collaborator Jim Eliot (Mikky Ekko, Ellie Goulding) and Mimi Stilwell (of electro-pop group Kish Mauve). It’s Young’s debut on Island after spending 10 years at Sony.

“He’s written a record that ...