London-based singer-songwriter James Keen is set to drop his new album, Crossover in September 6, 2024. This new record features 11-track genre-blending songs mostly infused in pop but also have visible traces of country music here and there. If you’re new to his stuff, we should get to know him first before getting into the album, don’t you think?
Keen, born in Australia and raised in Hong Kong, has been exposed to a multicultural environment ever since being birthed. This aspect in his life has played a significant role in shaping his music that are rather unique sounding. Recounting on one of his earliest and most formative musical experiences was listening to Graceland, an album by Paul Simon. This particular record became his entrance to the rich tapestry of international influences. Because of his exposure in the said record, it also introduced him to the diverse sounds which set the foundation for his eclectic style. Multiple people like Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, and Eric Clapton, all of which are masterful guitarists, influences his music. On the other hand, confessional and poetic lyricism legends like Neil Young and Bob Dylan have deeply rooted their influences in Keen’s approach in terms of songwriting.
James Keen’s musical journey began during his teenage years in London, where his exposure as an artist became prominent in the city’s acoustic music scene. An album he released last 2007, which is titled No Coincidence, which served as his debut to the industry, marked the beginning of his recording career which led to the formation of the band Magazine Gap. The group quickly garnered traction and attention, leading for them to garner a critical acclaim with the release of two albums, Light & Shade and What’s That About?. These albums showcased their ability as a band to seamlessly blend different musical styles. The band then started touring across Europe, North America, and Asia, which helped them build a loyal fanbase which led to further solidify Keen’s reputation as a talented and versatile artist.
The global pandemic that happened in 2020 forced everyone to adapt and survive, this includes the music industry, too. Keen was one of those who were compelled to adapt to this odd new environment and set-up. During the lockdowns, he focused and rewired his solo artist roots. With this, his skills as a producer and multi-instrumentalist had heightened by honing them. Within this time period, the introspection and creative growth of his has then culminated in the release of this album, Crossover. This record represents Keen’s most accomplished work to date. It features some of the most insightful and accessible songs of his career. This album didn’t just highlighted Keen’s growth in his artistry, but has also shown his ability to connect with listeners through music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The songs in his album shows his mastery of his craft. In his 11-track album, I’ve been personally attached to four from the selection. The first one being Falling or Flying. The mix of pop and some elements of country in its instrumental is calming in a sense that the instrumental serves as more of a subtle backdrop for the lyrics to be highlighted rather than share the spotlight with it. From my perspective as a listener, this song perfectly captures the irony of contrasts, of choice, and of choosing. It spoke of how ironic it was to feel and experience both ends of the stick no matter which choice between A or B you have chosen. The genre of pop-country prevails as evident in Yes & No. This song on the other hand talks about the complications of communication between relationships. Of not knowing where to stand in a feeble mind of a partner. Minutes to Midnight is one of the songs that stand out for me while listening because it’s more upbeat and pop-rock-ish compared to the rest of the album. It is catchy and even reminded me of a specific The Beatles sound in which I can’t identify the moment I’m writing this review. Last but not the least of my picks is The Ballad of Abraham Jones. This one is the most country-sounding and the longest track in the album. It leaned to a more laid-back approach, a story telling wrapped beautifully in a form of a song. The album also includes the songs Show Me What You Got, Crossover, Compromise, Get on Board, Glow in the Dark, Crash-landed, and On This Rock.
If you already finished listening to this album, you might want to follow James Keen on his social media accounts and visit his website. Don’t forget to also follow his accounts in different music streaming platforms!
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About the Author
Angel Mariah Rodiel – Mari to the people she’s fond of – is a BA Literature student currently studying in Central Luzon State University. Writing, arts, and music are some of the things she’s been most passionate about ever since she was a kid. Mari’s little dream is to build a band that will open for Paramore’s concert someday. Pop-punk and alternative rock are her comfort music genres, K-pop and J-rock comes close as third and fourth.
