After two months of activities that have firmly put him on the map, standout South-London R&B artist James Vickery announced his brand-new studio album, ‘JAMES.’, will arrive on September 12th via Red Bull Records. Alongside the announcement, he’s also dropped a single, “Right Side”, which is out now.
“Right Side” offers a fresh perspective on Vickery’s sound — a bold, groove-infused pop track that reveals a deeper, hidden meaning beneath its infectious rhythm. “I love the idea of something being disguised as a love song, so this was inspired by the fact that I always have to be on the left side of someone due to my deafness,” he explains.
Following the release of the track, an official video directed by Cully Wright was unveiled, featuring an opening sound excerpt that mimics how James hears the world through his impairment.
“Right Side” follows James’ recent stunning comeback singles “Butter” & “Hotel Lobby”, that have received praise across the board with major play-listing support across Southeast Asia.
Joining forces with longtime collaborator JD Reid (Mahalia, Mabel, Sinead Harnett), producer Larrance Dopson (Kendrick Lamar, Ella Mai, Justin Timberlake) and Grammy-nominated LA songwriter/composer Jonah Christian (Beyonce, Normani, Tems), his stunning new album is a remarkably assured statement – one that introduces a whole new sound to his audience.
“‘JAMES.’ is an album that I always wanted to make but I never knew how to”, says Vickery. “This is the first time in my life I’ve made music with no restrictions or felt the pressure to please anyone. In this album you will find everything from emotional heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat funk-driven summery bangers. I feel like this album captures every essence that makes up the different components of myself. It’s the most true, raw and authentic reflection of me, James”.
Vickery has a rare gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into universally resonant music. His sense of resilience and catharsis is especially clear on forthcoming songs like “Fall In Your Arms”, a poignant ballad underscored by somber piano chords, where he pleads for just a moment more of closeness. Unafraid to explore new sonic territory, Vickery steps confidently outside his comfort zone on “Higher”, a buoyant, Eighties-inspired anthem where shimmering synths and a soaring chorus showcase his vocal range and optimism.
Together, these tracks form the core of an album Vickery calls his most authentic yet, blending classic R&B, Seventies funk, soul, and the pop sounds of the late Nineties and early 2000s that shaped him. That organic energy is palpable throughout – a bold, emotionally rich statement from an artist fully embracing who he is.
‘JAMES.’ Tracklisting
1. Hotel Lobby
2. Butter
3. Like That (ft. BIA)
4. All In
5. Right Side
6. Miss A Thing
7. You & I (Interlude)
8. ILU
9. Better Days
10. Higher
11. Hanging On
12. Fall In Your Arms
