Los Angeles – Right off the bat of the opening track from Chaos And The Calm, the 2015 Brits Critics’ Choice winner James Bay sings with experienced aplomb. However, the British singer/songwriter/guitarist is only debuting his first LP. The affecting vocalist from Hitchin commands festival-ready tracks that balance the fine lines of soul, soft rock, and blues. On the lyrical forefront, Bay has an allegiance to the themes of love, self-breakthrough, and the relationships we craft with others close to us. At the ripe age of 24, Bay is letting it all unfold over the course of 12 strikingly constructed songs that not only open up minds, but hearts as well. James Bay brings plenty of sentimental tendencies with Chaos And The Calm, allowing for his listeners to connect with the plights he’s endured. Chill-inducing vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a congenially warm feeling attached to it, Bay’s latest endeavor speaks only in the forms of truth and honesty. If a record surrounded by sincerity is what you’re aching for, Chaos And The Calm will help fill the palpable void in one’s own existence.
The powerful, upbeat first track, “Craving,” explores the themes of small town life and the burning desire for self-discovery. The heavily guitar-driven song not only serves as an ideal opener, but also displays great promise for a live track. The subsequent track is one of Bay’s two singles thus far, “Hold Back The River. ” It’s a track that flourishes with classic rock sensibilities. It’s deeply satisfying as it navigates folky populism. Bay’s vocals grasp onto much fortitude showing him as a profoundly confident singer. “Let It Go” is a softer resonance with Bay painfully reciting the lines, “So come on and let it go/just let it be/why don’t you be you and I’ll be me.” It’s certainly one of the more worthwhile tracks here as Bay explores a smoother balance of pop and rock. The easy listening composition visibly demonstrates Bay’s raw and emotive-inducing talent. The piano opening to Fleetwood Mac guitar-style for “If You Ever Want To Be In Love” strikes a 70s soft rock vibrancy. The luminous quality captures a perfect springtime sensation. “Best Face Smile” turns up the tempo significantly with Bay singing with an astonishing amount of conviction. He belts the lines, “No, you don’t have to wear your best fake smile/you don’t have to stand there and burn inside oh, oh, oh if you don’t like it.” He sings in a style where every line that’s expressed is as pertinent as the last. Likewise, the results are particularly effective.
In “Move Together,” Bay showcases nimble guitar playing alongside impassioned vocals as he sings about leaving someone close to you for an ambiguous amount of time. It’s one of the more heartbreaking tracks, but definitely reflects Bay’s continual penchant for compassionate lyrics. “Get Out While You Can” really shakes things up. It’s a lighthearted and incredibly uplifting song that displays an abundance of exuberance and is the album’s masterpiece. It bleeds with an insurmountable quantity of heart, soul, and substantial encouragement.
With the closing track, “Incomplete,” James Bay does what he does best—supply reflective lyrics with the notion everything will work itself out. The voyage of Chaos And The Calm is worth exploring. What one will discover to learn along the way will be vastly different than any others walking down this path as well.
Chaos And The Calm will be released on March 23 (on Republic in the U.S.). Check out James Bay’s Facebook for information about his upcoming U.K. tour followed by a headlining U.S. showcase.
Sean Kayden
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