Taylor James' new album, 'Insane,' is an eclectic mix of soul and Motown

Growing up in West Central Mississippi, Taylor James was greatly influenced by Motown, Quincy Jones and James Brown.  It could be credited that his musical inspirations lend a hand in jumpstarting his music career.  By the age of 17, James was writing, arranging, composing, and producing his own original music.  While during his college years, he released two singles, “Christmas” and “Are You Ready,” as well as his debut album No Way Out on Great Southern Productions.

On his latest release, Insane, the singer-songwriter-producer-composer-multi-instrumentalist makes great strides in order to enrich his sound with a potpourri of genres that range from R&B and soul to hip-hop, pop, adult contemporary, and gospel.

The album opens up with “Back 2 U (ft. D’Andre Vison),” which has a great sparkly Adult Contemporary Radio feel to it.  The invigorating R&B vibe makes this soulful hit into an upbeat, catchy and rich textured cadence.  The layered soulful R&B vocal harmonies in the chorus of this track produce a groovy and soft sound to this romantic cadence that is really soothing and something great to relax to.

“Say It’s Me” has an old-school R&B feel that recalls the sounds of classic hip-hop and Rhythm & Blues from the 90’s.  The auto-tuned vocals add a robotic contrast to the natural voices as the percussions give off an energized vibe.  The great dynamic electronic backbeat also yields an engrossing feel.  An electric guitar appeal makes an impressionable appearance on this track.

The title-track, “Insane,” has some funky synths with some groovy keys paving this song.  With a top-notch Motown and doo-wop vibe, mixed in with a tantalizing R&B feel, the blend of genres makes this an eclectic release.  The vocals in the chorus give this track a retro vibe.  About a man who goes crazy over a love, the great groovy sounds make this up-keyed performance highly dynamic and catchy.  The energized backbeat supports the infectious tune on the electric guitar solo that sounds off towards the end of the track.

“Good News” supports some upbeat and jazzy trumpets that jumpstart the beginning of this song and goes on to trace the rest of the track.  Some wonky beats fill the song with a funky vibe.  The track has a decadent cadence to it with a lot of glitz and glamor coming from the extravagant electronic beats and the upbeat sounds of the trumpets.  James really belts out his vocals on this track, enhancing the bluesy number with his graceful and soulful voice on this uplifting Gospel song filled with a whole lot of warmth and a positive feel.

“Let’s Go Steppin’ (ft. J Wonn)” has a great simmering vibe.  This is a hot and sizzling jam paved with a sexy and romantic appeal.  The great R&B track has a pleasant flow to it.  While the slow and sultry feel gives off a groovy cadence, the bluesy and soulful components elicit a pulsating pull from the electric electronic beats and soothing soundscape.

“Rock (Throw Back Mix) (ft. Cassandra Wilkerson)” has a great retro vibe from the classic 90’s R&B feel.  A cascading flow of rhythms and soulful harmonies go on to pave the song coming from the vocals and electronic backbeats.  The great soulful and groovy feel has a pleasingly old school feel coming from the electric electronic beats and soaring synths.

“Make It Right” has an atmospheric and soaring vibe that goes on to elicit an ambient vibe.  The whole stride of the album slows down for this slow-burner.  The great flowy song has an Adult Contemporary Radio appeal mixed into the R&B and bluesy feel.  The sizzling flavors offer up a sultry vibe.  James serenades his girl here, hoping to win her back with his soulful and trail-blazing vocals.

“This Time” melds some melodious guitar riffs into the dynamic vibe of the song that blends riveting sounds and vocals into a riveting mixture of R&B, hip hop, pop, and Adult Contemporary.

“How It’s Supposed To Be (ft. Ann Nesby)” starts out with the electric guitar and the sounds of the trumpet.  The upbeat and catchy feel coming from the instruments go on to produce a contagious blend.

Taylor James brings you closer with these intimate feel-good tracks.  Insane sets you up-close and personal with the musician and artist who brings you a healthy dose of classic 90’s-inspired R&B jams melded with hip hop nodes, Adult Contemporary, and pop, but overall just a whole lot of soul.

This eclectic mix is filled with titillating flavors.  Something great to relax to while catchy enough to play on repeat.

James to destined for great things.  On this solid release, the R&B artist proves he is unstoppable.  Permeated with a whole lot of passion and a ton of soul, James’ flair for the vibrant makes him an artist to look out for.

Be sure you have a listen to Taylor James’ impressive work today!