First making an impact a decade ago in 2014 with the single “Let It Go,” it has been a steady string of success for the English Singer-songwriter James Bay ever since. A three-time Grammy Award-nominated artist, having toured alongside everyone from Taylor Swift to Hozier, Bay might be easily recognized by mainstream audiences, but also should be by fans of Rock music as well. A talented guitarist, as well as a soulful vocalist, there is no denying his style is richly influenced by Blues, Soul, and Rock-n-Roll music. Creating something that should appeal to a broad audience, each of his albums – 2015’s Chaos and The Calm, 2018’s Electric Light, and 2022’s Leap – strike a different chord. Now in 2024, he is back with his new studio album entitled Changes All The Time.
Originally set for release on September 20th through Mercury Records, but rescheduled for October 4th, the new album features co-production from Bay and Gabe Simon. Simplified the process a little, this is different than Leap, which was co-produced by a list of people in remote sessions. With this in mind, the album comes at you with the sympathetic sound typical for James Bay.
Features eleven songs that last just over forty-three minutes, jumpstarting you is “Up All Night” (features the Lumineers and Noah Kahan), and it is quite a catchy piece of music. This is while “Easy Distraction” begins with a strong guitar, and is also quite energetic, before “Hopeless Heart,” an anthem-like song that will get you swaying, and humming. Having a similar effect to the latter, “Dogfight” also stands out with a calming vibe, ending with the line, “It’s gonna be alright,” repeating until it finally reaches your heart.
Simply put, James Bay has created another album that will resonate within you long after the music fades out. However, there are not just one or two songs that stick out on Changes All The Time, but the sum of its parts with unique bits and pieces throughout. For starters, the lyrics are taken out of daily life… so you will be able to relate to it. Then you have the sincere vocals of James Bay that transports each emotion he is trying to convey. In the end, he hits you straight in the heart and leaves it there. The musical arrangements match these feelings and strengthen the effect. So, even though this album is rather smooth and easygoing, it is intense nonetheless. In short, like a roller coaster of life, Changes All The Time has its ups and downs. Some songs are stronger and faster, while others are slower and mellow.
Whether you actively listen to each of the tracks or let them fade in with the background, each has lyrics and rhythm that will sink into your subconsciousness. Honest and authentic, there are brilliant, timeless songs here, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives Changes All The Time 5 out of 5 stars.
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