James Bay – Changes All The Time

A rousing, fan-pleasing work of subtle evolution…

In the decade since James Bay’s 2015 debut album ‘Chaos And The Calm’ the English songwriter has travelled the world countless times. Finding colossal success both at home and abroad, his work – gusty, Americana-leaning, unafraid to be soulful – has found its own lane. Fourth album ‘Changes All The Time’ has two roles – introducing new songwriting voices, it expands his palette, while also returning James Bay to his core values by cementing his relationship with the guitar.

A rousing, often touching song cycle, ‘Changes All The Time’ will delight fans, while also offering some sparkling fresh ideas. Take lead single – and album opener – ‘Up All Night’, an Americana belter co-piloted alongside The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. A stomping feast of arena-filling songsmithery, it’s James Bay at his best.

There’s more than a few surprises here, though. Guest writers include Dan Wilson of Semisonic, Kevin Garrett, and fellow Brit type Holly Humberstone. Perhaps the most effective is ‘Easy Distraction’, which unites James Bay with The Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers – few do Americana more effectively than the Las Vegas band, and by splicing together their DNA the results are quite something.

Moving past the environs of 2022 LP ‘Leap’, this is an album that at times feels explicitly like James Bay is testing himself. His vocals are stretched to the limit on husky, down-tempo Southern soul ballad ‘Speed Limit’, while ‘Hopeless Heart’ is a bold slice of Heartland Rock.

‘Go On’ strips the arrangements down to the core, supplying little more than James Bay and his trusty guitar during the opening section. Closer ‘Dogfight’ meanwhile is broader, a song that takes you on a real journey – you can practically see the vistas of the Mid-West tumbling past the tour bus on this song of inertia and reflection.

A potent songwriter, ‘Changes All The Time’ helps to reinforce James Bay’s musicality, while also introducing fresh challenges. Stirring the pot once more, it’s a record that justifies his place in the upper echelons of British music.

7/10

Words: Robin Murray

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.