Artist: Justin James
Album: A Beautiful Life
Review by: Annie Reuter - Review You

November 2011

Singer songwriter Justin James has many reasons to be thankful. Having survived a vicious shark attack at 20-years-old, it was during this time that he picked up an acoustic guitar and wrote his first song. Since then, he has released three studio albums. His most recent, A Beautiful Life, embodies eleven standout tracks of passionate singing and emotional lyrics alongside spot-on music accompaniment.

“It’s been a long time since that accident and since my first song but I still get a rush when I write a new tune,” James says.

This is evident in his latest release. Never one to take life for granted, the LP shows James’ dedication to his music and optimism. Produced by Andrew Williams (Five for Fighting) the impressive release continues to showcase James’ staying power.

A Beautiful Life begins with delicate strums of the guitar and smooth strokes of the piano before James’ soulful, fast-paced vocals enter. The album’s title track, the song offers an adequate glimpse of what’s to come on the singer’s latest release. With the perfect blend of music, the accompanying percussion, piano and guitar never overpower his vocals. An all around solid track, it’s hard to not have the song stuck in your head long after the last note is played.

Next track, “Let It Run” reintroduces James’ silky vocals right from the start. Reminiscent to Dave Barnes, it is easy to picture this track heard on the radio. Furthermore, James puts the listener in a trance with his poignant story and wavering electric guitar features. “Help You Stand” follows suit with similar vocals and a steady percussion beat. Having had his songs featured on popular television shows like “The Hills,” “Parenthood, “Ghost Whisperer” among others, James continues to showcase his staying power.

Catchy vocals and steady hand beat drums accompany “Waiting on a Friend.” With a distinct island vibe, the track introduces a new side to James as he channels his inner Jack Johnson. In fact, many of the songs throughout A Beautiful Life call reference to talented musicians like fellow singer-songwriters Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Dave Matthews.

“One Beating Heart” brings to mind Dave Matthews Band with its sleek, yet powerful musical features and James’ smooth higher singing style. With sing along choruses throughout and a commanding drum beat, the track leaves its mark. Having opened for the likes of Jason Mraz, Colbie Callait and Switchfoot, it’s only a matter of time until James becomes the headliner.

What is most memorable about James is that his singing style on each track isn’t predictable. Whether he’s pouring out his heart on slower ballads or singing more rap-like features on “Get It Right,” he entices the listener with his varied vocals. It is hard to put him in a box with other singers, which is perhaps his best quality. Each track throughout A Beautiful Life is unique and completely unlike the previous.

While “Storyline” slows down the pace of the album with emotive vocals and precise piano, guitar and percussion features, “I Know You Know” kicks things back into high gear with fast paced drums and James’ quick singing style. “Souvenir” and “Let Love” close the LP fittingly with slow strokes of the piano and James’ delicate vocals. As the introspective lyrics begin on “Let Love,” percussion picks up as does soaring string accompaniment. As a result, the track leaves an impact before the acoustic, stripped down “A Beautiful Life” once again reminds the listener of James unyielding talent.

Review by Annie Reuter
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)