London-based R&B sensation James Vickery unleashed his sophomore album JAMES., a 12-track masterpiece released via Red Bull Records that marks his most authentic work yet, blending classic R&B, ‘70s funk, late ‘90s/early 2000s pop, and soulful introspection. Stream the album here and immerse in its bold, emotionally rich soundscape, led by the brand-new single “Fall In Your Arms,” a tender, heart-rending piano ballad where Vickery’s pleading vocals—“I finally feel safe/ ‘cos you’re here by my side. I need it night and day/ And all my problems drift away”—encapsulate the depth of his artistry. Collaborating with producers JD Reid (Mahalia, Mabel), Larrance Dopson (Kendrick Lamar, Ella Mai), and Grammy-nominated Jonah Christian (Beyoncé, Normani), Vickery crafts a cinematic journey that redefines his sound, earning praise as “a remarkably assured statement” from The Line of Best Fit on September 15. With over 200 million career streams and strong Southeast Asian traction—Philippines at No. 7 and Indonesia at No. 10 in his top global streaming markets—JAMES. arrives as a defining moment for an artist who overcame a life-threatening ear condition to find his voice, resonating deeply with Filipino audiences during the vibrant “-ber months” festival season.
The album, a self-titled ode to Vickery’s reclaimed identity, weaves a tapestry of genres and emotions, from the bossa nova-infused groove of “Hotel Lobby”—a fan favorite featured on Love Island UK—to the suave slow jam “Like That” featuring breakout rapper BIA, and a breathtaking cover of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” Tracks like “Butter,” a yearning confession originally penned for another artist, and “Right Side,” a love song masking his hearing loss from childhood cholesteatoma, showcase his vulnerability. “Higher” channels ‘80s synth-pop with dazzling vocal runs, while “You and I (Interlude)” offers a stripped-back moment of intimacy. “All In,” “Better Days,” and “Hanging On” pulse with funky optimism, and the closer “Fall In Your Arms,” with its orchestral swell, seals the emotional arc. Vickery told Notion on September 14, “This is the most authentic version of me. I was trying to impress people before, but now I’m making music that’s real.” Produced at studios in London and Los Angeles, the album’s organic energy reflects his journey from seeking acceptance to embracing his Welsh-South African heritage, as explored in his 2021 documentary Louder.
Vickery’s path to JAMES. is one of resilience. Diagnosed at eight with cholesteatoma, a condition that left him deaf in one ear, he discovered his vocal gift through a coach, turning adversity into artistry. His 2019 COLORS SHOW performance of “Until Morning” amassed nearly 40 million views, propelling him into collaborations with Musiq Soulchild, EarthGang, and SG Lewis. His independent 2022 EP Sheet Music highlighted his versatility, but JAMES.—his first full-length since 2021’s Songs That Made Me Feel—pushes boundaries, blending hip-hop, funk, and pop with a confessional edge. Clash on September 15 praised its “cinematic strings and woozy beats,” while Earmilk called “Fall In Your Arms” a “stunning finale that cements Vickery’s vocal prowess.” The album’s Southeast Asian buzz, amplified by playlist placements on Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines and Indonesia, reflects his growing regional pull, with fans on X like @RBFanaticPH hyping “Hotel Lobby” as a “Manila rooftop vibe.”
The year 2025 has been exhilarating for Vickery, with singles “All In,” “Right Side,” “Butter,” and “Hotel Lobby” earning media acclaim and playlist love across Asia. His COLORS SHOW legacy and collabs with heavyweights like BIA (on “Like That”) and producers like Dopson, who brought Kendrick Lamar’s grit, elevate JAMES. to a global stage. Vickery’s story, detailed in Louder, resonates in the Philippines, where his No. 7 streaming rank reflects a cultural affinity for soulful storytelling, as seen in sold-out Manila gigs at venues like The Island at BGC in 2024. NYLON Manila on September 16 noted his “fearless fusion of old-school R&B with modern flair,” while Billboard Philippines highlighted his fashion influence, often seen in tailored suits and retro shades, echoing his album’s nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic.
JAMES.’s tracklist—1. Hotel Lobby, 2. Butter, 3. Like That (ft. BIA), 4. All In, 5. Right Side, 6. Miss A Thing, 7. You and I (Interlude), 8. ILU, 9. Better Days, 10. Higher, 11. Hanging On, 12. Fall In Your Arms—flows like a journey, from the cinematic opener to the raw closer. The lyric video for “Fall In Your Arms” amplifies its emotional weight, with minimalist visuals letting Vickery’s voice shine. His hearing loss, subtly woven into lyrics like “Right Side” (“you’re on my good side”), adds depth, as The Guardian noted on September 15, calling it “a love letter to survival.” With no confirmed tour dates yet, fans on X speculate a 2026 Asia run, with Manila and Jakarta as likely stops given his streaming dominance. Vickery’s 2024 performances, including a London headline at KOKO, set the stage for bigger venues, with Dork praising his “electric stage presence.”
Vickery’s rise from South London’s open mics to Red Bull Records’ spotlight mirrors his album’s ethos: authenticity over approval. With over 200 million streams, fueled by hits like “Pressure” (2020, 30 million streams) and “Until Morning,” he’s no longer chasing acceptance but defining his own lane. In the Philippines, where R&B thrives alongside OPM at venues like SM Mall of Asia, JAMES. is poised to resonate, especially during the festive season. Stream it now via the link (https://james-vickery.ffm.to/james) and join the global wave—Vickery’s soul-baring sound is here to stay, a fearless blend of heart, funk, and pop that’s unmistakably JAMES.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.