Joshua James’ new album, Build Me This, was just released on iTunes this past Tuesday (it will be available everywhere on the 22nd). I’ve been a fan of Joshua since I first discovered his first album The Sun Is Always Brighter a few years ago. I have blogged about him before and thats because i’m simply in love with his music. It’s folk music with a singer/songwriter appeal to it and his voice combined with his lyrics combined with his melodies is one of the most winning combos i’ve ever come across.
While James’ first album was a barebones, nearly acoustic effort that really featured his voice, this new album brings every emotion in his songs to a new level, and makes it an easy contender for my favorite album of the year. Over the past couple of years, James has slowly introduced the electric guitar into his set that now includes a full band and this record embraces that new rock and roll spirit in songs like Mother Mary or Black July, but it still has those incredibly soft spoken pieces that made me fall for his music in the first place.
I heard someone say once that the greatest of songs can make you both sad and happy at the same time. Joshua James’ new album cries with every word, yet leaves you wanting more and more and more.
The album is only available on iTunes right now and it comes with a few awesome bonus tracks as well as a truly beautiful music video for the song Weeds. I HIGHLY recommend this album as I haven’t stopped listening for two days.
Joshua James – Mother Mary
Joshua James – Lawn Full Of Marigolds
