James Vickery, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary UK R&B, unveils his most personal and ambitious work yet with his self-titled album JAMES., released September 12th via Red Bull Records. Known to many for his viral COLORS performance, which amassed nearly 40 million views, and collaborations with SG Lewis, Musiq Soulchild, and EarthGang, Vickery now presents an expansive collection that pushes beyond genre boundaries while staying true to his soulful roots.
At its core, JAMES. is a statement of authenticity. Vickery, who lost hearing in one ear as a child due to cholesteatoma, allows his story to inform the album’s themes and textures. The deeply personal “Right Side” is inspired by the habit of always standing to someone’s left, transforming a private struggle into a universal metaphor for love and vulnerability. It is one of many tracks that balance introspection with broad emotional resonance.
The album opens with “Hotel Lobby,” an immediate highlight. Built on bossa nova rhythms and cinematic strings, it blends organic instrumentation with sleek production. The percussion is understated yet propulsive, giving space to Vickery’s voice while the synth layers shimmer like city lights at night. This rhythmic sophistication sets the tone for the rest of the project, where grooves are polished but never sterile.
“Butter” continues in a more intimate register, originally written for another artist but ultimately claimed by Vickery as a confessional ballad. Its slow, pulsing beat mirrors the yearning in the lyrics, while subtle synth chords and bass accents add warmth and depth. By contrast, “Higher” looks outward, channeling an ‘80s synth-pop aesthetic with bright, woozy textures. The rhythm here is playful and airy, carried by retro drum programming and topped with dazzling vocal runs that showcase Vickery’s extraordinary range.
The album is also notable for its collaborations and stylistic variety. “Like That,” featuring rapper BIA, offers a suave R&B groove with crisp hi-hats and layered harmonies. “Miss A Thing,” Vickery’s reinterpretation of the Aerosmith classic, reimagines the power ballad through lush synth pads and a more restrained rhythmic backbone, proving his ability to bridge pop nostalgia with modern soul sensibilities. Meanwhile, the tender “Fall In Your Arms” closes the record with sparse piano and orchestral swells, stripping back the production to let his voice take center stage.
Producers JD Reid, Larrance Dopson, and Jonah Christian lend their expertise throughout, crafting a sonic palette that balances funk, R&B, and contemporary pop. The beats often lean on syncopated rhythms and organic drum textures, while synths are carefully layered to build atmosphere without overwhelming the vocals. This meticulous production enhances the album’s emotional clarity, creating a soundscape that is both polished and deeply human.
Ultimately, JAMES. feels like the culmination of Vickery’s artistic evolution. Seamlessly weaving together influences from ‘70s funk, early 2000s pop, and classic R&B, he delivers an album that is bold, heartfelt, and unmistakably his own. The rhythms are intricate, the synths rich with character, and the atmosphere consistently immersive. For listeners, it is both a celebration of resilience and a showcase of one of the UK’s most compelling voices.
We are delighted to feature JAMES. on our webzine—a release that stands as a testament to James Vickery’s authenticity, artistry, and undeniable talent.