He either wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks on there. It opens with the rocking yet crisp “Craving,” and it is followed by his stunning radio single “Hold Back The River,” the latter of which is taking over the radio airwaves in New York.
“Let It Go” is a rich yet haunting ballad, while “If You Ever Want To Be In Love” is more upbeat and melodically beautiful. “Best Fake Smile” is rocking and up-tempo.
“When We Were On Fire” has the potential to become a future radio single for Bay. “Move Together” is a gorgeous acoustic ballad that Bay nails, and the same holds true for the follow-up ballad, the poignant “Scars.”
“Collide” has a retro vibe to it and it features strong harmony vocals, while the upbeat “Get Out While You Can” is another musical gem. Bay changes the pace of the CD with the well-crafted and lyrically potent ballad “Need The Sun To Break,” and it closes with “Incomplete,” where the listener can recall John Mayer.
The Verdict
Overall, James Bay is amazing on his breakthrough studio album, Chaos And The Calm. There is a lot of variety of this project, and it is certain to please fans of pop, rock, indie, folk, soul, adult contemporary music and even blues. It earns 5 out of 5 stars.
For more information on British musician James Bay and his new CD Chaos And The Calm, visit his official homepage.
