Brendan James - Brendan James

We've been following Brendan James for a while now and returning to his buoyant and promising 2008 debut The Day Is Brave for a regular spin. But despite the finely crafted, melodic piano pop from the New York-based singer/songwriter on display with Day, nothing really prepared us for the staggering growth that is written in capitol letters all over James' fine new self-titled sophomore album. Finding that special not-too-sweet spot that lingers somewhere between hook-heavy, radio-friendly pop anthems and the art of critically credible, personal songwriting, Brendan James exudes a gracefully assured ease.

Aiding in delivering James' maturation as both writer and performer is producer Warren Huart (The Fray, Howie Day), a skilled collaborator who obviously has a special gift in assembling uptempo mainstream pop tracks for mass consumption without sacrificing the earnest and serious-minded artistic center of each. With the pulsing shimmer of "Changing Us", opulent piano kick of album opener "Nothing For Granted" and Fray-ish lead single "The Fall", we're just scratching the radiant surface of an album that delivers in full on every promise made. James' distinctly detached vocal delivery actually keeps the grander moments here in check, subtle cool shadings that keep the focus on the classic pop/rock melodies that burrow quickly into the subconscious. Highly recommended.

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Brendan James - "The Fall" (from the album Brendan James)

Brendan James - "Stupid For Your Love" (from the album Brendan James)