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Joshua James, The Sun Is Always Brighter, 2007 (Intelligent Noise Records)
Joshua James is a Utah-based singer/songwriter who has just released his debut CD, The Sun is Always Brighter on the indie label Intelligent Noise. The record contains twelve songs delivered in a folk/Americana style, with acoustic guitar, piano, bass, and soft drums providing the support for James's soaring vocals. Producer Shannon Edgar wisely pushed James's vocals to the front of the mix, giving the listener the sense that James is sitting in the same room, and at times whispering in your ear. James's vocals are immediately appealing, delivering a warm soulful timber reminiscent of Brett Dennen, Josh Rouse, and the folk troubadour Steve Forbert (Romeo's Tune). Like the 60's folk movement, the songs offer somber reflections on the state of things, particularly America's current political slumber. With the exception of the opener, an ironically perky song about writing "silly love songs" (while the world around us so clearly needs our attention), the record leans heavily on melancholy themes and minor keys, similar to James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" with the feel of Neil Young's Harvest Moon. Indeed, "Soul & the Sea" (track 2) is a haunting rhythmic number about the examination of conscience. The tragically gorgeous "FM Radio" (track 4) depicts the true story of one of James's childhood friends whose father died young, and the years of inner pain that followed. Tracks 5 ("Today)" and 6 ("Lord, Devil & Him") continue to prod the listener toward action, admitting that the daily situation is not good and life's not easy, but that's no excuse for not attempting to make life better—to make the world better. Track 7, "Dangerous," is a sparsely layered masterpiece that is best listened to on headphones while staring out the backseat car window at the vast American landscape on a long road-trip. Don't be surprised if this song lands on the soundtrack of a few upcoming indie films. Unfortunately, after opening with two strong upbeat tracks, then appropriately slowing toward the slow-burning "Dangerous," the record does not regain its initial pace and tone. Not until track 11, "Our Brother's Blood," does the record pick up the pace again. The result is that James's more direct prophetic voice may not be heard if the listener loses interest during tracks 9 and 10. The record closes with "Commodore," another upbeat anti-war song, clearly influenced by Tracy Chapman, and one of the record's strongest songs. The Sun is Always Brighter is an outstanding collection of songs that will appeal to a huge demographic, from older Neil Young fans to younger James Blount fans. The record could have been stronger by reducing the number of songs from 12 to 10, and allowing the pace to pick up sooner, ensuring that the audience hears James's more direct prophetic voice. Nevertheless, this record must be in your collection, and expect many great things to come from the young Joshua James. — Vincent Wynne, August 11, 2007
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