*This review is for the standard version.

Being selected to open for Beyonce’s Mrs. Carter Show World Tour is as big a cosign as it gets, but anyone can name drop.  The artist still has to deliver musically and when Luke James released as earnest a single as it gets in 2013’s “I.O.U.”, he showed he had the necessary chops to make more than ripples in the music industry.  Vocal ability is what separates a Jennifer Hudson from a Jhene Aiko and this is where James’ debut shines.  Despite being previously released, “I Want You” acts as the perfect display of his vocal range, as the young crooner’s breathy falsetto croons in acceptance of his feelings before rising several octaves for the simplistic, yet show stealing, chorus.

Relationships are a consistent theme that the Louisiana bred singer graces throughout Luke James.  The melancholy “Glass House” muses on the changes that occur in significant others over the course of a relationship and not for the better.  The changes occur in depth to the point that he does not recognize the woman she has become and he changes as a result, unable to recognize either of them.  Standout lead single “Options” wrestles with closure, both of a relationship and of an unborn child’s life, both dangling in the balance.  While not unfamiliar territory, James’s songwriting ability impressively demonstrates the back and forth conflict of such a monumental decision.

Luke James is a well balanced endeavor, despite its imperfections.  His soul influences are well represented and mesh seamlessly with his Southern upbringing.  His artistic integrity is never sacrificed to chase radio, evidence that this was Luke Jame’s unaltered vision for his true introduction to the mainstream. Luke James’ self titled release proves worthy of top billing, well worth the two year delay since Whispers In The Dark.

Highlights—Glass House/I Want You/Options/Trouble