Jamie Lidell - Jim

From the handclaps and soul harmonizing of opening track “Another Day”, it’s clear that this is not the Jamie Lidell of eight years ago. Lidell’s first release in 2000, Muddlin’ Gears, assaulted the listener with pastiche soundscapes of vocal and electronic experimentation. 2005’s Multiply was a successful departure from the IDM frontiers explored on Muddlin’ Gears, an album rooted in electro-tinged funk and R&B. On Jim, Lidell has moved further away from his early experimentations, embracing vintage R&B and soul music.

Lidell voice soars over funky and restrained backing tracks, always the conscious center-piece of the song. The backing tracks are reminiscent of Otis Redding’s work with the Bar-Kays in that each instrumental fit’s Lidell’s vocal melodies like a glove. In songwriting sessions Redding would sing horn parts to his backing band, building even the instrumental arrangements vocally. It’s easy to picture Lidell, who would loop and distort his voice into instruments on Muddlin’ Gears, utilizing the same writing process as Redding, crafting each track around the base of a vocal melody.

As a vocal showcase, Jim doesn’t disappoint. Each song is an exercise in soul sentimentality, from the frantically driving piano of “Wait for Me”, to the restrained ballad “Rope of Sand”. Lidell’s voice whispers, croons, and frantically screams for your attention. His charisma is undeniable.

The album’s only drawback is that Lidell’s voice is carrying the whole record. The feel good R&B of his backing band is enjoyable, but can’t carry the weight of the songs on their own. Without Lidell’s signature vocal stamp the songs feel like well crafted genre exercises, acceptable but not exceptional.

Jim’s strengths lie in the immediate accessibility of its focus and undeniable charisma exuding from Lidell’s impressive vocal chops. For a seasoned R&B or soul fan it may not break any new boundaries, but for the uninitiated it serves as a satisfying introduction to a voice that might someday carry modern soul music.