More about: James Bay

Despite having an album written and ready to go, a global pandemic prompted James Bay to think twice about his third LP. With a body of work already cooked up in Nashville, Bay felt somewhat unsettled by its current state. 

As he took stock of the things he, and pretty much all of us, valued: family, love and happiness, he sought to break free from his tender 'sad song' bind. Inspired by William Burroughs' quote "Leap, and the net will appear", Bay stepped away from what he had already created. He knew that to realise what he wanted, he needed to take a risk. "You can't achieve anything without taking a gamble: you've got to leap": he craved authenticity, and it was only by going back to the drawing board that this was going to be found.

Leap comes at an essential time for Bay. Looking to recapture the BRIT-winning magic of Chaos and the Calm, his debut album, Leap parades a colossal amount of raw and honest emotion. Opening with 'Give Me The Reason', a passionately-sung number that explores the complexities of a friendship needing repair, Bay demonstrates well his capabilities of capturing heartbreak with elegant melodies.

It sets the tone for the majority of the album. Comfortable in his sound, it's clear early on that there isn't likely to be an overwhelming amount of experimentation. However, embracing what is on offer, Leap also sees Bay return to his tried and tested formula, most of which was avoided on his pop-influenced sophomore album Electric Light. More often than not, this works in his favour. The inability to make earthly sense of his love for another on 'Nowhere Left To Go' is particularly touching ("the wonders of the world don't come close / You're from another planet, and I want you"), and the dazed longing for comfort in a bustling world on 'One Life' echoes James Taylor's 'Secret of Life': "In your arms / in our room / living small in a big house". 

'Brilliant Still', with its energetic guitar line and catchy hook, provides an uplifting rallying cry for self-belief; its lively nature is a welcomed juxtaposition to the melancholy sound of the rest of the record. Bay's impressive skill in capturing a moment lyrically stands out the most: "We're gonna watch the sun come out Everyone's here / There's silver slipping through the clouds" marvellously sung on 'Everybody Needs Someone' places the listener right in the heart of the action, conjuring up images of optimistic summer-time romance. 

Nothing if not consistent, James Bay has returned to his sentimental roots. Somewhat spooked by Electric Light's unfamiliar territory and dubious reception, Leap sees him back on safe ground and will undoubtedly appeal to those who adored his debut. 

Leap arrives 8 July via EMI.

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More about: James Bay