Joshua James – The Sun Is Always Brighter

Joshua James – The Sun Is Always Brighter / 2008 Music Allies / 11 Tracks / http://www.myspace.com/joshuajamesmusic /

Joshua James is an interesting case. This is due to the fact that “The Sun Is Always  Brighter” was intended to be a digital only release. However, the resulting amount of sales on iTunes ensured that there needed to be a physical copy of the album released, and that is why Music Allies is putting out the disc now. Where individuals may remember Joshua James for the bouncy, catchy cut “Winter Storm” (off 2007’s “Fields and Flood EP), the tracks on “The Sun Is Always Better” represent a step forward in James’ evolution as an artist.

“The New Love Song” continues with the happy, emotive sound previously broached by James, while adding a little bit of funkiness at the periphery. If James’ music isn’t being played at college coffee shops and out the windows of dorms by the time the 2008-2009 year starts, I would be amazed. “Soul and the Sea” inserts a little bit of Postal Service influence, even as the vocals continue to stand out as the focal point of the track. There does not need to be intricate, grave types of compositions during James’ “The Sun Is Always Better”, because the confident constructs here will do much the same work, getting individuals intimately involved with James’ unique sound. When James takes on something a little more heavy in subject (death in “FM Radio”), there is still that element in eir music that is catchy and will get individuals singing along. What James does during this track is to link the guitars to the vocals in a way that allows both to take a lyrical tone, with the guitars really adding to the narrative that is present on the track.

Finally, “Abbie Martin” gives the piano some time to shine, creating a simplistic but memorable line that acts as the proper backing for James throughout the entirety of the track. James has a long career ahead of eir, and I could completely see eir taking up the mantle of a John Maher after the latter gradually diminishes in importance. James is a current hot commodity, and it should only be a matter of time before radio stations all across the United States will be playing a cut from a James album, hopefully “The Sun Is Always Brighter”. The narrative ability of James is what distinguishes eir from similar singers, and provides individuals with the impetus to pick up the album.

Top Tracks: Geese, FM Radio

Rating: 7.2/10

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