Liverpool’s Kris James is back. It’s always intimidating to put out a debut project that encapsulates the true essence of your artistry and the sound you want to portray, but James’ debut self-titled album is an exceptional introductory record that perfectly illustrates his personality and what he stands for. As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, James delivers a ten-track long album that depicts a first love experience with “Dreamer” as a focus track.
The collection is a testament to the new trajectory away from his pop stardom past towards a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. When writing this album, it is clear James utilized the opportunity to tell his story via pop tunes and emotional ballads.
As the record opener, “Naïve” is a very upbeat track releasing past insecurities and looking to be set free. Covered in self-assurance, Kris James calls for a ‘live in the moment’ approach to living that all people should take notes from. Moving to the funky follow-up, “Get Back To Love” lightens the mood with its groovy disco-inspired beat. James says the track is: “…an upbeat love song about finding your absolutely true love…I thought after a while of writing deep and meaningful tracks, it was time to drop a fun and funky disco love song.”
Changing things up, the cinematic “Addicted To You” finds Kris James in a mysterious, dark, yet sexy place with soft vocals that could easily soundtrack the erotic romance series ’50 Shades of Grey’. Recording the song he had written for the band as a solo artist instead, “Eyes Open” went straight into the UK Top 30 and has a One Direction pop sound to it. The focus track “Dreamer” is your classic first love experience that’s hard to let go of. James explains that it’s: “… about never really getting over that one person who you thought you would be with forever, always thinking and going back to the good times. Dreaming of when times were amazing, and you both thought it would be forever. It’s a first love experience once again. But for me, I’m always as mad about the first love as I am my last. I’m always writing about breakups and love.”
The album as a whole showcases everything James stands for as an artist and person, and highlights how he’s not afraid to express his feelings and address complex themes and issues through his lyrics. Give the album a listen below and for more information on Kris James, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
