Nashville-native Jeffrey James cautiously approaches the idea of pursuing a new love interest on latest single “Saltwater”, the perfect vehicle for his luscious and soulful vocal talents.
For his second single release of 2018, following “The Look”, James toys with more pop-oriented production on “Saltwater”. The soaring track uses the vast, unpredictable ocean and its surroundings as a metaphor for the range of strange emotions that come with opening up again and allowing a new connection to form. Hesitation, nerves, joy, the fear and weight of commitment all accounted for as the artist narrates the romantic voyage ahead of him.
Willing to accept every part of another -- their good, their bad, their past, their future – James dives in with good intentions and a general understanding of possible imperfections. Opening with the acknowledgement of previous lovers’ presence still lingering, “Saltwater” progresses to focus attention and energy on the now, not allowing the distractions to get in the way of what could be. That mentality is effectively conveyed by James’ passionate vocal delivery, the highlight of the new release.
At times though, James even sounds to be forcibly ignoring his own reservations, potential red flags and previous destructive relationships in order to protect the new flame from going out. “Anchors weighing on my soul, with an iron chain, getting lost in the triangle, and I can’t explain, oh and I heard your call, like a siren song,” he croons, seemingly drawn through the dense fog thanks to the affection felt for his new companion.
James' new single differs from a majority of the artist's previous releases, again moving towards an alt-pop/soul sound and influence that would not sound out of place on current radio airwaves. The underlying synth beats are an infectious trend. They heighten "Saltwater", allowing it to become a stirring, emotional rollercoaster packed into a three-and-a-minute effort that succeeds thanks to a convincing performance and songwriting wrapped in imagery.
As his first effort to not be written or recorded in his home of Nashville, the essence of breezy Los Angeles is definitely intact on "Saltwater", cleverly expanding James' artistic reach. Though he may have stepped a bit out of his comfort zone for the recent release, it's thankfully very much still connected to the heart and soul presented in earlier recordings such as "Running Away" and "Waiting for the Breakdown". This just feels like an authentic next step.
James' new single differs from a majority of the artist's previous releases, again moving towards an alt-pop/soul sound and influence that would not sound out of place on current radio airwaves. The underlying synth beats are an infectious trend. They heighten "Saltwater", allowing it to become a stirring, emotional rollercoaster packed into a three-and-a-minute effort that succeeds thanks to a convincing performance and songwriting wrapped in imagery.
As his first effort to not be written or recorded in his home of Nashville, the essence of breezy Los Angeles is definitely intact on "Saltwater", cleverly expanding James' artistic reach. Though he may have stepped a bit out of his comfort zone for the recent release, it's thankfully very much still connected to the heart and soul presented in earlier recordings such as "Running Away" and "Waiting for the Breakdown". This just feels like an authentic next step.
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