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Happy With You James Harrison

By: Rebecca Fludgate - Dolfin Music

Wow! This much awaited album of new songs is a welcome addition to Jamess repertoire - nine new songs and a variety of styles and influences shining through. His manager Fiona Anderson has told me it's been a busy year for James - festivals, winning a busking licence on Bournemouth pier, connecting with numerous other locals artists in collaborative live gigs, producing his own album, playing at Bournemouth Live, joining a band, leaving a band, getting a residency at a local pub, putting on events and about to start on his second album.

The opening title track, Happy with You has a brilliant overdriving lead rock guitar running through it backed by simple drums, bass and acoustic guitar. The song reminds me faintly of the Everly Brothers, mainly due to the melodic harmonies and country style sound. The second song, one of my personal favourites, is Loving Flame, an original title and lyric with a poignant perspective of a lovers acknowledgement of his inspiration. The track features James and his guitar only and seems all the better for it as this gives space for the lyric and the listeners imagination.
Following this is Its just a dream with Chris De Burgh style keyboards with a lullaby melody. The mood changes for I need you which has been produced with slightly overdriven guitars which give a raw sound feel, complemented by harmonies. One of the strongest songs on the album follows, with Tell me Why a New York style piano shuffle and a mature sound reminding me of that supreme talent Billy Joel. Shes only in my Head also has a nice piano intro, it is a ballad and has a clever lyric and good arrangement.

The whole album shows with out doubt Jamess talent for writing original, good commercial songs, in a variety of styles and rhythms. It is a mood album, taking you through highs and lows of personal relationships and subtle in its simplicity. It also inspires you to go and see him live. The album shows James potential as a songwriter and performer and that it may not be that long before he becomes a major artist.