James Arthur – YOU

Review

James Arthur's third studio album, "YOU," which came out on October 18, 2019, captures his artistic growth beautifully. Instead of looking inward like in "Back from the Edge," this album pulls its emotive storytelling from other people's lives. It's got this rich mash-up of soulful ballads and R'n'B that shows off Arthur's vocal range.

You'll find some real standout tracks here— "Marine Parade," "If We Can Get Through This We Can Get Through Anything," and "Car's Outside"—each one a testament to Arthur's ability to deliver songs that hit you right in the feels. There's so much variety in the instrumentation, too, thanks to collaborations with artists like Travis Barker on the title track, adding an extra layer of richness to the album's sound.

While a few critics think trimming some of the slower songs would've helped, there's no denying "YOU" is a solid marker of Arthur's evolution as a singer-songwriter. And let's not forget its commercial success, which peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart. It's clear that Arthur remains a powerful force in the music world.

"YOU" shines not only for its emotional depth but also for its collaboration with various musicians, adding layers to each track's unique sound. This album is a strong chapter in James Arthur's story, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt and varied musical approach. - Jennifer