Hey Ma
by James
  • Record Label: Decca
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2008
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    80
    James do have more quirks in their sound and plenty of quirks in Booth, who is always willing to act like a fool if it is in service of the greater good. These are the things that make Hey Ma a welcome comeback even for those listeners who may never have been big James fans.
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    Setting out their stall with the strength and affirmation of the birth song 'Bubbles,' seemingly inspired by the arrival of Booth's first son, James gather themselves with an impressively solid stature.
  3. Hot Press
    80
    Welcome return to form from nineties stalwarts, not much has changed with this tenth studio album but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
  5. PopMatters
    80
    The pace may slow a little at times, but the turns are easy to take and the jagged rocks are few and far between. The excellent Hey Ma will see you through to journey’s end.
  6. Pitchfork
    74
    Lyrics like those [in 'Whiteboy'] make up for the clunkers, but more importantly, the music itself sounds shockingly vibrant for a band only recently taken off ice.
  7. Under The Radar
    70
    If you liked James before, then they won't disappoint you now. [Fall 2008, p.81]
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. thelistener
    Sep 19, 2008
    7
    Great to have a new James release... Doesnt come close to Laid (which would be a 10 on my scale)... but is still quite good. The album seems Great to have a new James release... Doesnt come close to Laid (which would be a 10 on my scale)... but is still quite good. The album seems to heavy on the horns at times.. Despite my score of 7, a must buy for any James fan.… Full Review »
  2. NM.
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    A pure f*cking delight. Nothing more needs to be said. Great lyrics, great tunes, and genuinely enjoyable. The only qualm? The production is A pure f*cking delight. Nothing more needs to be said. Great lyrics, great tunes, and genuinely enjoyable. The only qualm? The production is over-compressed. I'll fault the mastering for that.… Full Review »
  3. TomB.
    Sep 18, 2008
    8
    great to have these guys back, and a welcome return to form. hopefully they have a few more albums in them, with this lineup. their 90s great to have these guys back, and a welcome return to form. hopefully they have a few more albums in them, with this lineup. their 90s output was almost second to none.… Full Review »
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