Album
James
Hey Ma
[Mercury]
Artist: James
Released: 07 April 2008
Catalogue number: 1764287
Review
by Chris White
04 April 2008
Back in 1991, there wasn't a sixth form disco dance floor in the country that didn't fill to bursting point whenever James's anthem, Sit Down, was played. After an early career plodding away worthily in the indie backwaters, Tim Booth and his chums suddenly realised that an unsubtle combination of baggy beats and a football chant chorus could catapult them to stardom and lo and behold, they had a number two hit.
James remained a big-selling act throughout the ensuing decade and now, after a seven year hiatus, they're back in the studio with comeback album, Hey Ma. Like most other bands that reappear after a long absence, they've smartly decided to ensure they satisfy their old fan base by making minimal changes to their sound, although Hey Ma is closer in style to Laid than the Gold Mother-era crowd pleasing that spawned Sit Down.
Like its 1993 predecessor, the seven piece's new effort takes time to grow on the listener, but once its quietly epic songs lodge in the brain it's as if James have never been away. Tunes slowly build to a shuffling beat before the soaring melodies irresistibly take flight, propelled by trademark jangling guitar, brass flourishes and Booth's soaring, passionate vocals. The ebullient front man has also retained his gift for erudite if occasionally silly lyrics, with White Boy's ''my mum says I look like Yul Brynner, too old for Hamlet, too young for Lear'' the most memorable example.
Other stand out moments include the strident title track, which blends a typically effervescent hook with some uncompromising anti-war imagery, and Waterfall, curiously akin to Blonde On Blonde-period Dylan with a sugar rush. Boom Boom's atmospheric guitars bring to mind fellow Mancunians Doves, although a self-indulgent Adagio For Strings-apeing interlude is one of the few bum notes to be found on Hey Ma. Overall, this is an impressive return to form from a group who continue to craft their own distinctive brand of understated, uplifting rock while those Sit Down sixth-formers contemplate thirty something paunches, mortgages and antenatal classes.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you choose to use this review on your site please link back to this page.
Mo, Denver
One of the best! Great comeback album. Lyrics hit home.
Matt, Houston
Amazing....
Chicago, IL
Wow! This is a really great album. I never thought I would hear James at their peak again. Way to GO!!!
dave, new york city
good review. i definitely agree with most of mr. white's comments. looking forward to the 9/20 gig in NJ.
Christina, New York City
Phenomenal. Congratulations, James members—this one is monumental. Had me at the first listen. On a more personal note, The 9/11 references are really painful, but you nailed the psychology of it for me, especially the hopeless/helpless feelings, followed by determination and strength, and no one else I listen to has "talked about it" yet but you. Thank you.
Nigel, Portsmouth
Edgy, unsettling at times, one of those "not sure at first" albums - but as has been said, it grows on you, and sticks - for days.Good gig at the Wedgewood Rooms. Let's face it - They're Back!
daryl, Sweden
James are great, this album is more edgy but genuine James. Really glad they are back.
Stephen, Rossendale
Truly beautiful. The last two tracks have the same effect on me as the last two on Joy Division's Closer - and you can not give give a higher accolade than that. Tim Booth is truly magnificent.
jonathan, beijing china
THe closing song is so beautiful. Thank you James for making my year. Im so happy you're back. You deserve these accolades and much more. Brian Eno sounds like you dont need him, the production is great.
Sy
"So you can get your72 Virgins to abuseHope they kick like mules"Methinks there may be a storm about that one... well played- saying what everyone else is afraid to.Great album, great band- Booth's vocals are impeccable even after all this time.
James, Manningtree
I bet like me most James fans were worried in case the new album failed all the memories and music of 20 yearsShouldn't have worriedMy memories from the first time I saw them in Bloomsbury in '85 are safe - they've grown up like the rest of us but that ain't so bad!
Rich, Birmingham
A true return to form that knocks spots off all other bands getting much media hype. It's as if they've never been away. Nice one guys.
gavin , coventry
Truly fantastic album .cant stop playing it.
richard lindley,middlesbrough
awesome as ever.i never get tired of listening to james,i defy anyone to pick a bad song out of all ten albums.keep up the good work you are becoming an institution in your own right.ps, i loved the newcastle gig when we were all chanting,it still gives me shivers
Mick, Canterbury
Classy Band deliver a Classy Album.
Karl, Cambridge
A stunning and beautiful album that gets better with every listen. Of Monsters and Heroes and Men gives me goosebumps on my goosebumps!
david lincoln
tremendous as usual, they never let you down. Lincoln evening recently was amazing. never bored of James
Shane, Wicklow, Ireland
A really, really good album...fantastic. And, I reckon, their best piece of work...for those who don't already have it, get thee to the shops!
Andrew, Rochdale
God like genius. As a 39 year, old who remembers with affection the 1st release of 'Sit down',I compared this album to the latest and greatest new thing.My dad was right, the best groups are the old ones.
Mark, South Bucks
Reaching my late thirties and having just seen James at the Hammersmithm last night was absoultely amazing. At the end 'Sometimes, when I look into your eyes I can see your soul' - chanted by the audience for several minutes was brilliant.I felt all of my early twenties and Uni years come flooding back. What an amazing band.Thank you so much!
Keith, Cumbria
"although a self-indulgent Adagio For Strings-apeing interlude is one of the few bum notes to be found on Hey Ma"It's a beautiful moment! One of the highlights of the album for me. Still apart from that, spot on review.Play it after The Courteeners album and laugh your socks off that that middle aged man have more spunk and verve than the the next big thing and their terrible, dreary indie rock.
dave morris, Carlisle
well well well? he he, like all the albums this one takes time but after you soak it up ur hoked. never a doubt in my mind as I am a thirty something having james throught the turmoils of life and now the saga continues.bring it on boys, cheers for being there when we need you the most. "a very happy man indeed"...
Martin Kemp, Newcastle
Excellent album. I'm always sceptical about bands re-forming years later. Especially when it's your favourite band of the "Indie Era" However I love the new album and watching them live last year and on Monday just gone at Newcastle Carling Academy was as enjoyable as my first two James gigs - Bradford Oct '91 and Alton Towers July '92. Tim is still the man he was all those years ago with fantastic stage presence and a brilliant voice. Anyway I'll stop reminiscing about my sixth form years now and return my thoughts to antenatal classes and the imminent arrival of baby No.1 that reminds me I'm now well into my Thirty's. Finally more more more please James - I'm sure there is a least another album in you all.
James Ives, Driffield
This is what songwriting is all about! Ever since listening to Wah Wah years back I realised that James have always had a unique approach to formulating songs which stands them streets ahead! Good to have them back and good to communicate thoughts on new songs from James again. See you in December!
Ross, Edinburgh
Brilliant album, best thing they've done for years. Glad Larry got that chair-making thing out of his system.
Matt, Stockport
I am one of those thirty somethings with the kids, paunch & indeed mortgage - but being an 'original' James fan who used to jump up & dance to 'What For' in Devilles in Manchester around '88, I absolutely detested the 'sit down' thing... I do however LOVE this new album - the more you listen, the better it gets. They WERE fantastic on Saturday night at Liverpool Uni - the 6th time I've seen them live and at their most intimate. James have not lost any of their class & sound better than ever. You can keep your Arctic Monkeys et al... James still rock after all these years. Long may it continue chaps... Love you x
Graham, Mossley
Welcome back to the Magnificent 7. Hey Ma is one of the best studio albums from James. Full of instant classics, my compilation cd's will need updating!! Great live performance in Lincoln, and what a way to finish! Looking forward to Edinburgh next week! Any chance of touring Australia next year lads?????
Andraz, Ljubljana - Slo
There they go again. The sweet and powerful chemistry of guitars, brass section and firm line of Booth's voice. That's got also something to say - get the boys back as soon as possible and let's get drunk on a life. Hey Ma and Dig, Lazarus... it's a really nice spring. Looking forward for a tremendous summer of concerts.
denisellew
truly wonderful the best album ever see you december lads the best band in the world live love em
Luis, Mexico City
long time no hear ...............but it's just a great great album, james is back with their best .......
Michael - Boston, MA
Can't wait to get my imported copy... what I have heard sounds awesome!!! Please come to Boston as part of your US tour this year!!!
Clare Warrington
James at their very best! Thank you for the fantastic gig in Liverpool Uni on Saturday, it was brilliant! Looking forward to seeing you in December at the GMEX.
Dale Kirklevington Yarm
Another winner !Great to see them back again.
Billy Holland, Erie Pennsylvania USA
I'm in love with this album. The music is just amazing and I can't imagine not having it as part of the soundtrack that makes my life so much better. It does take exactly three listens for it all to just click into place and then you'll realise that this is, if not the best, one of the best albums Tim Booth and the rest of James have made for us lucky, and honored people. I have no doubt that this will be known as one of the greatest albums ever made. I love James! Thank all their mothers and fathers for giving them to the world, because they make life so much better!
Konstantin, Rotterdam
Great great album! I am glad James are back.
Joanne, Greece
I'm not a long time fan of James but when i got to know them I was really excited. Their music is unique. My all time favorite song is Laid. I think this will change because i loved every song in this album. i didn't expect such fabulous comeback! great job guys!! love your work!
Ed, Kentucky USA
I LOVE IT! Well, so far of what I have heard, James has an amazing ability to make any sound seem worth the effort!
Geoff, Preston
Excellent review, Thanks James, another class album,possibly one of the best
Andy, Blackpool
I was expecting to be disappointed after the new tracks released on last year's compilation but was proved wrong enormously. A cracking album from a cracking band
Harry, Somerset
As a long time fan of James later albums and work I love this new album. The first time i listened it all the way through I was very unsatified with it, but now after about 4/5 of hearing the album all the way through the songs have truely grown on me. I feel bad for ever doubting it.
TURGAY TARCIN
I am so excited because i know i will meet some beatiful new songs again, after years...
Liam, Manchester
Love James and love the new album
Paul Dunne, Manchester
This is James at their brilliant best.
GARY PALMER
A TRULY FANTASTIC ALBUM.
Tom, Hull
Great review, it's an excellent album