From Tampa to Nashville, captivating singer-songwriter and pop/R&B recording artist James Cole swoons our speakers in a monumental debut album dubbed Because Of You.
Music City couldn't be a better home for an artist like this. The songwriter, artist, and producer understands that a great song encompasses a sacred balance between conceptual lyrics and pristine production. With that notion in mind, James Cole is well on his way to becoming a significant player in today's new music scene.
He remains true to his mission of pumping out chart-topping tracks that celebrate today's culture while making tunes that stand the test of time. And his debut 6-track album, Because Of You, is no exception. Right off the bat, James Cole grabs our attention with the catchiest melodies and well-rounded production, and we're eager to dive deeper (ears-first) into this dynamic record.
Hitting play on the intro track, "Back to the Bottle," we're met with ethereal background pads that sink into the foreground alongside a groovy, top-tapping bassline. James Cole's sweet-sounding vocals leave us chanting his memorable lyrics within seconds, and those lyrics are ultra-relatable. The moments spiraling out of control and feeling hopeless in pursuing love, James Cole soothes his sorrows with the bottle, the joint, and whatever temporary band-aid he can find.
Although conceptual and relatable, the vibes remain high and mighty, and the same goes for track number two, "Love It." This captivating tune sinks deeper into this passion of fiery love, and James Cole's smooth-sailing bars perfectly depict the nature of turbulent, hot-and-heavy relationships. Adding a dynamic back-and-forth is the angelic vocal stylings of Leah Colon, who perfectly rounds out the passionate theme with stunning vocals that keep us hooked until the last beat.
Upping the sensual, sultry vibes is the album's third track, "Come Slide," taking off with a heavy kick that vibrates the soul alongside mysterious synth arrangements and James Cole's breathy, alluring vocals. His lyrics are equally engaging, perfectly setting the passionate scene with witty lines like "Don't worry about the drive, got the Uber on the way, you can meet him outside." It's a steamy, powerful track that hits in all the right places.
Reaching the album's second half with track number four, "You Don't Care," James Cole shifts into a more emotional, personal space accompanied by low-toned synth arrangements and downtempo percussion. While expressing his concerns about his pursuit of love and recalling the losses he's faced, James Cole's velvety vocals shake listeners with deeply relatable concepts of wishing a past lover would return if it means not being alone.
Continuing that emotional theme is the album's fifth track, "Out of Bounds," softly opening with delicate piano melodies and James Cole's gentle vocals. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, his melancholy lyrics plead for a lover to hear him out and, hopefully, come back around. It's the most personal point of the album thus far, and we get heavy Frank Ocean vibes from James Cole's powerful, vibrant vocals. Consider our heartstrings tugged.
Landing on the album's sixth, final, and title track, "Because of You," James Cole's confessional lyrics float through the speakers from the get-go. Accompanied by a cinematic, electronic instrumental arrangement, James Cole serenades our souls with confessions that his lowest moments result from a past lover. Yet, even as the pain rages on, he remains entirely smitten by this special person.
James Cole's debut album, Because Of You, is one of the most conceptual, well-executed albums we've heard this year—without a doubt. Fans of any genre can get down with this relatable concept, but pop/R&B lovers are in for a real treat. Find James Cole's new album, Because Of You, on all digital streaming platforms.