Bianca James. Bianca James

Pop divas are more Erwin Zijleman's division, apart from the (mostly female) country/folk/singer-songwriters he prefers of course. Every once in a while I find myself in his territory and with Bianca James' self-titled debut album this is the case.

You could have encountered her before in the weekly singles section with 'Monaco', a fairly irresistible pop gem that preceded 'Bianca James'. The Canadian singer presents herself with music that justifiably can be called timeless. With hints at soul from a long time ago, a great pop feel and a nod to Amy Winehouse, her music is as bright as a sunny summer's day at the beach. The arrangement makes the music spark like the azure sea, just like great pop songs should.

In the music there are references to almost the whole pop history of the past 60 years. A twangy surf guitar here ('Bang Bang Baby' and 'Last Words''). Deep baritone saxophones all over the places laying their accents (like e.g. in 'Mustang Sally'). Her Amy Winehouse way of singing without playing the same kind of music. Bianca James loves her pop a lot, without laying it on too thick. For that she embraces soul too much. A warm organ in the big ballad 'Till I Remember' shows the way here.

'Inside Out' is the best track Lily Allen has not released since 'Fuck You'. 'Inside Out' is an earworm. Once inside your ears, you're lost for ever. You're sentenced to sing "I'm living life from the inside out" forever. Just like I do for years now with the aforementioned song with the offending title. Well, to some that is. I think it is a nice and playful way to tell someone (s)he's gone way too far. I found out today that Helen Mirren fully agrees with Lily.

With 'Bianca James' in the first instance I seem to be a little out of my comfort zone, musically. Very soon it turns out she fits in quite nicely. There are so many elements that are so good. Over all what strikes me most, is the warmth of Bianca James' record. Secondly, her voice stays on my good side where the Amy generation, including Duffy and Adele, usually does not. This voice has a perfect combination to sing pop and soul. Listen to 'Made To Love'. If you're not convinced, I have to recommend a visit to your local hearing care professional.

Wout de Natris

You can order 'Biance James' here:

https://shop.biancajamesmusic.com/