Multi-talented singer/songwriter James Keen goes back to basics with a genuine solo record called “Crossover”. Singer, songwriter, musician, keyboard player and the man behind the production and recording, Keen has no shortage of vision on this album and it’s packed full of different styles and sounds. The collection comprises 11 warm tones of modern pop-rock and acoustic register with expressive guitar solo and splendid voices. Thus, Keen’s work is entirely devoted to people, filled with optimism that unites and inspires listeners with its gentle and jolly tunes.
The fact that “Crossover” is an intimate record with elements of virtually everything that can be associated with rock music is its main characteristic. Both acoustic and electric guitars are featured prominently in the music, and Keen also incorporates elements of Americana at times. His beautiful voice and the deep lyrics of most of his songs create folk-rock ballads and some faster songs giving an overall nineties nostalgic view of life. In my opinion, I would like to emphasize that Keen’s abilities to write songs are genuine and filled with real visualizations of what he sings about; therefore, this project itself is excellent for showcasing his skills.
James Keen
The album starts with the song; “Show Me What You Got”- this song is emotional, poetic and has this soothing, free-singing tempo that establishes the tone of the entire album. I must say it is engaging and embraces many topical issues which one can come across in the real life. Then, “Falling or Flying” is less dark but more hopeful, but this hopefulness is undermined by the fact that the realities of triumph come to those who are willing to sacrifice the emotional and psychological reserves in the form or grit, and do so until the source is exhausted.
Yes & No, the third track is all about the story of desire and illusion. It is about ascending ladder that never had a physical form; asking yourself whether you would ever be sleep on a dream, all while being backed with playful synths and constant acoustic guitar rhythm. The more aggressive “Minutes to Midnight” pays homage to the Vietnam war peace love anthems and goes with the ticking guitars for a countdown of sort to mankinds potential for destruction.
The title track, “Crossover”, returns to a more positive tone using clean electric guitar and piano not quite reminding the listener of the rain but bringing the image of a night scene where dancers glide through the space and light flicker in the distance. Well ‘Get On Board’ changes tune; it has that clap inducing energy that is called for in order to ‘Get on Board. ’ It is one of the songs that make the listener rise up to the next level in life.
“Glow in the Dark” has a funky beat and strong vocals and is an anthem, or feel-good type of song that stays with you after listening to it There is an element or rock and roll style in “Crash-landed” that has a building rhythm and strong piano chords Introductory lyrics are reflective but the beat of the song quickly pulls the audience through it. It’s a song that is about mistakes and mistakes but appreciating them and seeing the positive side of it.
‘Crossover’ can be regarded as an excellent example of James Keen as a musician because of the verses and their connection with the potential soundscapes.
