It is a matter of perception and time as to whether or not James will be remembered in the world of music for their creativity, verve, and intelligence. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, the British band led by notoriously prickly front man Tim Booth managed a string of UK alternative/pop/dance hits culled from upwards of ten albums of new material.
James was at the top of the music game in 1992 when the band released their album Seven. And while it represented a change from their earlier work in the Manchester “baggy” scene it was nonetheless a good (if not great) effort. Funny thing is that it took until the next year and the album Laid (and the accompanying title track) for James to make the leap stateside.
In addition to Booth, James in 1992 consisted of Jim Glennie (bass guitar), Mark Hunter (keyboards), Andy Diagram (trumpet), David Baynton-Power (drums, percussion), Saul Davies (guitar), and Larry Gott (guitar). The six-man band managed to splice together a rather cohesive album. It’s certainly not as impressive as seminal discs like Laid or Gold Mother, but it is solidly in the top third of the band’s extensive discography.
Seven tends toward being mainstream, but the band doesn’t make a 360 degree turn. Rather, Booth and company incorporate pop, folk, and chipper melodies into their songs. These elements when combined with decent lyrics and incredible vocals make for a pleasant listening experience. Also notable is the band’s unabashed, unique utilization of Diagram’s trumpet and Hunter’s keyboard. The multi-layered songs sparkle on the whole with only a few problem areas.
Eleven tracks in length, Seven’s standouts include the opener Born of Frustration, Ring the Bells, Seven, Sound, Heavens, and Don’t Wait That Long. As mentioned there are indeed a few lesser songs here most specifically Live A Love Of Life, Bring A Gun, Mother. But in calling a few of the songs “lesser” I have to say that they are still quite good in comparison to other artists but not up to par in the James song library.
Of the best songs, my favorites are Born of Frustration and Ring the Bells. The former is particularly notable because it was also one of the first to get any play on American radio. It was chosen for good reason—Booth’s voice is incredible as is the melody. It seems so fresh and natural at the same time it reeks of anxiety and intelligence. Born of Frustration is a true James classic. Also classic is Right the Bells, something that sounds more like an alt-rock effort. Featuring light, acoustic guitars paired with Booth’s voice the song breaks into a sparkling up-tempo chorus. The lyrics are also worth mentioning:
Got to keep awake to what is happening.
I can't see a thing through my ambitions,
I no longer feel like God is watching over me
Got to tell the world we've all been dreaming
This is not the end, a new beginning
I no longer feel my God is watching over me.
While I do enjoy James most when they are upbeat and chipper, the band can also successfully be pensive and slightly moody as with Sound. Booth whispers just over the spacey, droning elements wonderfully. It’s a different kind of song than those that became most popular, but that’s also in part why it works. It goes to show that James can write a really great song that’s somewhat less appealing to mainstream listeners. Also making a successful turn toward the dramatic are songs Don’t Wait That Long, Seven, and the lovely and delicate Heavens. The latter is particularly wonderful. Stripped of Baynton-Power’s usual thick, heavy percussion the track oozes ease and comfort.
But not everything is all flowers and kittens. I have to say that I’m not at all a fan of the trite songs Live a Love Of Life. At first it sounds good. Diagram’s trumpet is crisp and lovely, but as the song progresses it sounds like something of a half-hearted political statement. I’m certain it’s supposed to be profound but it just comes off as strangely sterile. Bring A Gun is bad in a different way—it’s pretty pointless with annoying synthesizers beneath layers of kinetic guitars and drums. The song just sounds like a bunch of elements were tossed together in no particular order. Finally, Mother starts off fine enough. I like the dark, thick, slightly Latin melody. But what strikes me is that the political statement is unnecessary. As with much of the album, it is a rant against war. When paired with the overall upbeat feel of the album, the message is unfortunately lost.
Seven is a good (closing on great) album. I am overall impressed with the cohesion of the songs and the great production not to mention Booth’s striking voice. He’s not afraid to take a risk, and he’s the better for it. I highly recommend Seven for purchase especially to fans of Manchester music and James in general. It’s among their top few best releases for good reason. And it’s also a good primer for Laid (collaborated on with Brian Eno).
So what are you waiting for?
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Born of Frustration
02. Ring the Bells
03. Sound
04. Bring a Gun
05. Mother
06. Don't Wait That Long
07. Live a Love of Life
08. Next Lover
09. Heavens
10. Protect Me
11. Seven
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