Electric Light
by James Bay
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: May 18, 2018
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 45
  3. Negative: 4 out of 45
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  1. peterplacebo
    May 18, 2018
    6
    A notable follow up attempt at creating a sound that is fuller, bigger, newer, and maturer than his first album. Unfortunately, it feels like the artist was a bit too ambitious, trying to incorporate every popular sound out there, from electronic sounds, vintage 80's vibes, raw southern rock, to even some Chance the Rapper gospel feelings. The album feels a bit too pretentious, and aA notable follow up attempt at creating a sound that is fuller, bigger, newer, and maturer than his first album. Unfortunately, it feels like the artist was a bit too ambitious, trying to incorporate every popular sound out there, from electronic sounds, vintage 80's vibes, raw southern rock, to even some Chance the Rapper gospel feelings. The album feels a bit too pretentious, and a little to quick to try to please, as the artist anxiously keeps shifting and pulling out new tricks to keep the listener entertained...just as the song was starting to sit nicely. Even the closing song had great potential to be pure, and unpretentious, before a monologue comes out and instantly taints the song. There is great spirit, and I love the youthful ambition that can clearly be felt -- especially in a sophomore album. But all smoke and mirrors production tricks aside, when I think about the album from purely a musical standpoint... I can't really point out anything musically excellent or distinct. Very lastly, James Bay has a fantastic voice... I just wished that it wasn't so drowned out by the production in the album. Could have mixed so that his voice was a bit stronger and up front in the mix. But that is solely a personal preference. However, I'm excited to see what direction he will take in his following album. Too soon to say?… Expand

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Clash Music
    May 30, 2018
    70
    While producer Paul Epworth’s contribution is accomplished, adding a dynamism that maintains our attention throughout, the record seems to lack an underlying theme. Bay has been a bit too clever for his own good, and on Electric Light fails to latch onto a identity that makes him truly unique.
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  2. Variety
    May 18, 2018
    75
    For all the gloss and floss that accompanies the release of Electric Light, Bay is still very much at home in the earnest ruminations and folk-rocky tones of his debut, only now with higher production values and more bounce to the ounce. With that, “Electric Light” has the feel of a transitional effort; one that safely dips its toe in the cool Ocean front of soul synth-phonica, while maintaining Bay’s clay feel and rootsy emotionalism.
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  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 18, 2018
    60
    It’s all accomplished and well-produced--as an introduction to these sounds, it’s absolutely on the money--but perhaps too scattershot to really gel.
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