Album Review: James Bay - Electric Light

If you expected English singer-songwriter James Bay's Electric Light to be anything like his previous works, shake that off before you begin; this album deserves an open mind.

The 27-year-old's second release is just as big of a change as when he chopped off his signature locks late last year; a shock to the system but still undeniably his genuine self underneath. From passionate slow burner Wild Love, soaked in sensual reverb and a deep pulsing bass line, to the fast-paced grunt rock'n'roll tune Just For Tonight, Bay illustrates his year of experimentation with hints from many different musical aspects. Highlight tracks include In My Head, beginning as spoken word and erupting into a gospel chorus with fierce determination, and the incredibly sexy Sugar Drunk High that encapsulates Bay's raspy vocal tones in a stunning manner. Although a step back from being just a guy with his guitar, Bay retains the hauntingly beautiful and romantic image he is known for, as one after the other each song brings just as much pain and raw emotion to the table as ever before.

Ending with a reading from poem Song by Allen Ginsberg, Electric Light is a turbulent experiment that shows growth and maturity through love and loss.