Veneer made an indelible mark in its understated, expressive brilliance and cemented José González as a meticulous sonic craftsman and songwriter of singular talent. It’s hard to believe an album recorded with the most basic equipment in a cramped Gothenburg flat could end up going platinum, not only in Sweden but also the UK, selling well over 1 million copies worldwide. It’s harder still when one acknowledges that, aside from one brief trumpet solo and the slightest hint of percussion, the record features just one hushed voice and the dexterous picking of an acoustic guitar’s nylon strings. But 2003’s Veneer was such an album, charting in several countries in the world, and eventually making Top 10 in the UK thanks in part to its delicate, evocative cover of The Knife’s “Heartbeats”. Praise for José González: Magical... a supreme talent, reminiscent of the late Arthur Russell The Guardian Veneer draws you in, it’s easy to believe that the young Swede could begin his own cult The Times Spine-tingling The Sunday Times Jose Gonzalez really is a rare find The Times (live review) Gorgeous, in a word Observer Music Monthly A fresh and intriguing talent The Independent Affecting soulful poignancy, a quietly impressive debut The Daily Telegraph Enormous talent The Sunday Telegraph An intense talent Time Out In a world of musical clones, the Argentinian Swede is a thrillingly original new talent The Sun It's an exquisite, almost solemn privilege to be invited into Gonzalez's world Metro Extraordinary Uncut The most intimate music you’ll hear all year Q Dark, still, yet oddly powerful Mojo Wonderfully accomplished... a serious talent to watch out for, this year and beyond Clash Jawdroppingly special, a rare talent Fact