CD: Eran James - Ten Songs About Love

"Man you sound blacker than me, I endorse you, you are the real thing." James Brown.

When 15 year-old Eran James released his debut album, Reviewing theSituation, the music industry and the record buying public sat up andtook notice. However, the Melbourne teenager with the soulful voice didn'tjust parlay that success into another album. Showing maturity beyond hisyears, he stepped back a little and took the time to craft a follow-up hewas happy with, "the first record was a stepping stone but it had the mindframe that I am here to make real music," says James, now 18. "With thatknown, I felt free to take the next album wherever I wanted."

The new album, Ten Songs About Love, sees James join forces withseveral of the music industry's biggest hit-makers (Jay Newland, Tom Nicholsand Wayne Hector) to create an album of songs that showcase a very talentedand grounded young performer, proving that he really is here to create "realmusic."

The album shows every sign of being carefully and painstakingly puttogether with tracks like the first single, Touched By Love,demonstrating James' formidable talents as not just a singer but as asongwriter too. Other songs like the reggae infused title track or the veryheartfelt ballad World At Your Feet further showcase his credentials,while at the same time proving he has more strings to his bow than just"sounding like Stevie Wonder."

The production by Jay Newland and Tom Nichols is tight, the sessionmusicians (who have played for such luminaries as Bruce Springsteen,Brandford Marsalis, Billy Joel and Pavarotti) bring the music to life andthe song selection is right on the money, with each track supporting thosearound it while at the same time maintaining its own unique voice.

Ten Songs About Love features great songs that are commercial andcatchy while at the same time soulful and unique. Add in meaningful andinspired lyrics and you have a CD that deserves its place in anycollection.