X-Factor's Peyton, Sinners Got Soul Too - album review

But that's what Peyton did - having starred on some of clubland's biggest hits from the past 15 years as DJ and/or singer.

American born, his father had been a preacher in Virginia growing up. And it was those gospel roots that had spoken to him at a young age, and that he wanted to revisit before his career was done.

So he dropped the big house beats and let his voice do the talking.

This isn't a pop record in the traditional ballad mould. This isn't to say Peyton ignores the big note-grabbing choruses. But mixed among the sweet pop tendencies are deep gospel backing vocals and the odd slice of reggae thrown in for good measure.

His inspirations will bring smiles to many. The Way I Love You was written for a fan's wife's 50th birthday, and is a softly-spoken piano track powered by hushed beats. And there is also the powerful I'll Rise. Originally a poem written by the influential Maya Angelou, it is brought to life by Peyton's sharp, deep middle plane vocals.

Peyton's voice differs from a lot of singers. It has a lot of similarities to those velvety tones of Lighthouse Family's Tunde Baiyewu without being so deep. It adds feeling to the emotive moments in tracks, like the screeched choruses in I'll Rise, and lifts them above stodgy pop fare.

But perhaps what will get the most attention is his anti-bullying anthem When They Go Low, which led him to sign up as a patron for charity Bullying UK.

Taking inspiration from Michelle Obama's celebrated speech at the National Democratic Convention on the issue, it even uses a soundbite of her impassioned delivery to give it gravitas. It will resonate with a lot of people and hopefully help a few along the way.

While there are quieter moments on the record - the reggae-infused tracks such as Joy sound a little out of place for instance - it is a very solid effort from somebody who obviously oozes creativity and ideas.

Peyton is one to watch.

Rating: 7/10

Peyton recently had to cancel his performance at Birmingham Brindley Place's Pizza Express Live series, citing reasons 'outside of his control'. The company have since confirmed to us on social media that this show will be rearranged this year, so keep an eye out.