James Bay : Changes All the Time Review

by Shannon Smith

James Bay’s journey from the youthful singer-songwriter who burst onto the scene in 2015 with Chaos and the Calm to his fourth studio album, Changes All the Time, reveals a subtle shift in his creative voice. This new album sees Bay lean further into his Americana influences while continuing to explore themes of self-reflection and resilience. The eleven-track offering shows his commitment to songwriting tradition while weaving in new voices lyrically and musically alongside producer Gabe Simon.

The album opens with “Up All Night,” a collaboration featuring The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. The song is energetic and infectious and thrives on its foot-stomping rhythm and expansive chorus. Bay’s guitar work shines here, and the harmony-laden vocal melodies add depth to the upbeat vibe. It’s a crowd-pleaser built for large venues, showcasing his strength in crafting arena-ready anthems.

“Everburn” transitions the listener to an acoustic guitar-driven setting that develops from an introspective place to a full and robust sound and mindset. Its acoustic guitar foundation and hushed harmonies introduce the lyrical theme of personal endurance. Bay’s vocals remain front and center, delivering his robust vocals that make the song stand out for its simplicity amidst the more polished tracks.

“Hope” takes on a Southern folk-rock feel, presenting a strong vocal performance. The songwriting builds the song as it grows organically, with layers of instrumentation building into a powerful crescendo. The song exemplifies Bay’s ability to channel emotional weight into his vocal delivery, offering a cathartic release toward the song’s conclusion.

“Easy Distraction,” a highlight of the album, brings in The Killers’ Brandon Flowers, whose influence is undeniable. The upbeat track pulls from the Americana-infused sound at which both artists excel. The synergy between Bay’s smooth vocal style and the driving instrumentation creates a dynamic energy that lifts the song above other mid-tempo numbers on the album.

Bay’s compelling balladry is on display in “Speed Limit,” a slow-burning ballad that strips back the excess to focus on Bay’s vocal expression. There’s a smoky, reflective, soulful backbeat quality here as he delves into the melancholy of lost love. The lyrical exploration of emotional turbulence and the delicate guitar work contrast some of the album’s lighter tracks.

“Talk” picks up the pace slightly with its radio-friendly chorus and engaging production. While the song fits the mold of a late-night driving anthem, its repetitive structure lacks the punch to make it truly memorable. Similarly, “Hopeless Heart,” though catchy and polished, feels too safe, even when it offers solid craftsmanship.

In contrast, “Some People” is a haunting, stripped-back ballad that allows Bay’s vocals to take center stage. Minimal production distracts from the song’s raw emotion. At just under three minutes, the track is short yet poignant, serving as a moment of quiet reflection on the album.

“Go On” is built around strumming guitars and a powerful vocal performance by Bay. The song ebbs and flows with emotional intensity, slowly building toward a climactic release. Its storytelling element draws the listener in, offering a moment of connection between the artist and the audience.

“Crystal Clear” brings a folk-like intimacy to the record, with its campfire warmth and storytelling quality. It’s one of the more understated tracks but works well in balancing the album’s more produced songs.

The closing track, “Dogfight,” is a cinematic journey that ties the album together. The song’s brooding atmosphere and introspective lyrics are layered with rich harmonies and an emotive vocal performance. The outro, in particular, stands out as a high point on the album, offering the kind of emotional payoff that many listeners crave. Bay stretches his vocal range here, creating a sense of yearning that lingers long after the song ends.

In Changes All the Time, James Bay sticks to what he knows best—soulful Americana influences, confessional songwriting, and guitar-driven melodies. While there are moments of brilliance, like the emotionally charged “Dogfight” and the collaboration with Brandon Flowers on “Easy Distraction,” the album doesn’t stray far from the formula that has defined Bay’s sound over the years. The record will feel like a welcome return to form for fans of his earlier work. Changes All the Time reinforces his place within British pop-rock.