James Bay – Chaos And The Calm – 6.0/10
Republic Records
After 3 Eps, Dark of the Morning, Let It Go and Hold Back the River, along with receiving this years Brits critics’ choice award, Bay is set with the LP, “Chaos and the Calm.” An album that is a culmination of his recognition, gleaming with a more polished studio sound. The songs collect with themes of love, relationships, and personal discovery, joining a twang and pluck pop-rock feel, simple chord progressions, and contemplative tones.
The 24 year old Hitchin based artist finds himself on the albums cover, looking moody against a dim lit corridor. The scenes depiction is reflective of the overall tone. Song names like “Let It Go”, “Incomplete”, and “Craving “ are indicative of the intent, and all continue with a slow melancholic progression. Aside from the signature guitar playing and noir tracks, piano chimes in to create an upbeat, “it’s time to dance” feeling, opening for the fourth song on the LP “If You Ever Want To Be In Love”. There’s the addition of a chorus throughout, creating a soulful sense. And if the calm is too much, “Collide” offers a true rock vibe, oozing with electric guitar and quick chord changes to get the blood pumping. The organization of the track list is an alternating mix of slow and calm, interspersed with energizing switches, possibly intentionally mirroring life’s ups and downs – embodying the chaos and calm. With lyrics like, “I’ll come around if you ever want to be in love” to offer hope, and “It’s time to go, the engines running, my mind is lost”, the dichotomy is clearly drawn.
Although his first album comes more reserved and a bit overproduced, Bay is likely develop his unique creative voice as his fame joins among the ranks of Ed Sheeran, Jake Bugg, and the many other young successful British artists. “Chaos and the Calm” is reminiscent of powering through the waves of our emotions, looking for love, finding meaning, and trying not to get caught up among all the “Best Fake Smiles”. The production for each song seems a little too tame at times, like it’s trying to appease everyone. But there’s enough diversity for most listeners and a classic tale of the human condition. Laugh, dance, cry, this album has the triggers for it all.