London Songwriter James Keen is ready to return to his roots, with the launch of his new solo album Crossover. Australian-born, but raised in Hong Kong and London, Keen’s been initially inspired by the soulful depth of Paul Simon’s Graceland –the beauty and complexity of which is reflected in his music today. James started on London’s acoustic scene, refining his craft before releasing his 2007 debut No Coincidence, which led to the formation of Magazine Gap. His time with the band showcases a melodically warm style, testing norms of music by thoughtfully blending pop, rock, R&B, and folk.

Not only this but his evocative style has been compared to artists like Neil Young and Tracy Chapman. His new solo album, Crossover comes from the depths of isolation during the pandemic. It reflects feelings of escapism which deeply resonates with the listeners.

“But going round and round and round on this won’t get us very far

I wish I had a better answer and that I was a better dancer but there we are”

 

These are the lines from one of our favorite tracks “Yes & No”  of his new album. The upbeat pop-rock colors of the notes, combined with sharp execution, make it a true masterpiece.

It’s a song that can be a companion of your solace depicting how a human can be torn between different perspectives or choices. Despite being asked for a clear answer, we are forced to acknowledge the nuanced reality of the situation, where things aren’t simply black and white.

Another song in the album is “Show Me What You Got”. It has similar notes of pop-rock. However, one thing that we really like about this track is that it triggers an immediate wave of adrenaline, connecting directly with the listeners –and challenging them to challenge themselves. For instance, when he said;

“I’ve had enough. It’s time to right a wrong

You get a feeling. You can’t understand

You hit a ceiling. Didn’t turn out as planned”

James, despite his distinct warm style, didn’t cut corners on diversity by creating harder rocking tracks like “Minutes to Midnight” and the R&B-infused “Compromise”. These two singles shift the album’s energy towards a more urgent and darker tone, perfectly capturing the feelings of anxiety and anticipation. Keen’s intense vocal, when paired with a moody backdrop, increases the overall tension of the songs.

Another single that we immediately fell head over heels for was “Falling or Flying”. It definitely stands out from the rest of the album since it takes on a more introspective tone. This song has actually already been nominated as a finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards –and once you listen to it you will know why. The lyrics delve deep into the uncertainty of life with the artist questioning whether he is on the rise or inevitably heading for a fall.

“Who’s to say who’s to blame. Who’s to say who is right

And I don’t want to play this game. Or hide from the spotlight”

What we truly admire about this song is its airy instrumental music that fits perfectly with the theme of ambiguity. The lyrics are profoundly thoughtful, making the listeners question the emblematic fine line between success and failure.

Another single from the album that gave us a true idea of Keen’s creativity is “Get on Board”. The artist really left no stone unturned while composing its infectious chorus. The more you listen to it, the more hooked you are to its refreshing slow beats. Let’s just say, it hits the soul in the most beautiful manner. In contrast to the other more serious and intense themes earlier on in the album, this one is a feel-good track that leaves listeners with the most intoxicating musical high.

The title track of the album, “Crossover” is a blend of rich melodies and introspective lyrics. What really sticks out in this particular track is Keen exploring the idea of crossing different phases in life –be it personal growth, his musical career, or relationships. Besides this, the song has been dynamically arranged, shifting between various modes and tones, which many would agree, perfectly mirrors the complexity of transitions and makes it the focal point of the album.

The other single that has been nominated for the International Acoustic Musical Awards is “On This Rock”. Now, this track is something that really portrays complex human emotions with its steady, grounded rhythm. It’s almost like an anthem for people who have emerged from adversity stronger than ever before, similar to the theme of Keen’s other song “Crash-Landed”. The song tells a story of hitting rock bottom and the struggle to find footing again. The lyrics are deeply honest and raw with a backdrop of haunting melancholic melody that encapsulates the aftermath of a personal crash.

Switching from the melancholic tunes, “Glow in the Dark” is another track out of eleven of Keen’s new album that actually coveys a bright visage. Surprisingly, Keen’s vocals are both tender and empowering at the same time, which speaks volumes about his creativity and the art of portraying an array of diverse emotions at once.

Most of Keen’s songs chase a storytelling approach, each song revealing a new side of his ever-evolving artistry. By effortlessly weaving storytelling into his songs, he has been able to establish a deep interpersonal relationship with the listeners. A perfect example of this is the closing song from his album called “The Ballad of Abraham Jones”. The song opens up with a placidly calming folk-inspired melody that immediately touches your soul. Keen weaves a narrative about a man’s journey through life, with all its trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

Overall, James Keen’s album Crossover is a well-rounded album that tells a tale of his versatility as an artist, with each track offering something different to the audience. Six of his eleven tracks have already been out as music videos on his YouTube. You can go check it out on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isDp26ns6Ys. The complete album will be released online on September 6. (Review Written by Saima Kausar)

 

OFFICIAL LINKS:
www.jameskeenmusic.com
www.facebook.com/jameskeenmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@JamesKeen
https://www.instagram.com/jameskeenmusic