Are We There Yet? - A Review

James Marriotts' first album 'Are We There Yet?' has officially hit the scene and my god is it good.

Are we there yet? Album cover

The album starts with 'You are here'. This song starts off slow and the vibe is very comforting and homely with the very needed twinkles. It does gradually get a lot more dramatic though and near the end it gets very loud and it's so good! Just like every other James song with an incredible ending.

Next is 'So Long' which was the first song to be released back in June. With lots of lyrics in the beginning, it is similar to my favourite James song 'Where has everyone gone?' which I love. The beat in this song is exceptionally rock and his 'oohs' adds dramaticness to the song as well as creating the feel of screaming and stress. And of course, it ends with a dramatic build-up to a cool ending.

Artwork by myself @megoomba on Twitter

After that, it's 'Going postal at the party'. Initially, it's calm with classical piano, and then Bam! All of a sudden it turns into a sick energetic beat which reminds me of his second ep 'Bitter Tongues' which features fun songs such as 'Grapes'. This is definitely a relatable, catchy song with a fun and memorable chorus including "With no one near me in the end, a whole eternity to spend such a view, haunting you." Which I still haven't got out of my head.

The instrumental near the end reminded me of Linkin Park and that rock era which is surprising but cool nonetheless. But yeah this song is definitely my favourite from this album it’s so cool!

Artwork by myself @Megoomba on Twitter

'Over my head' is next and this song has a very consistent intense beat with rock vibes which is great as I enjoy a strong intro. As well as having a clear message throughout "over my head". A key element of the song is the third chorus. As it turns into what sounds like a call and then back into the studio version. This contrast in vocal production really sells the song for me.

Then it's 'Romsnticise This' which was the second song to be released. As previously mentioned in a former post this song has almost a cinematic story vibe to it. Like it could be its own movie. I enjoy how this song feels from the lyrics to the instrumentals. It's just really powerful and you can immerse yourself in the song.

The ending is one of my favourite James endings. His belting plus the choir vocals? Pure perfection!

Artwork by myself @Megoomba on Twitter

Following is 'In Between' which is more of a chill song that complements the lyrics' message of escapism and the future. Has a few ghostly, echoey vocals at the end which can represent the lyrics "Float from seam to seam".

Now 'The Other Side' is one I have heard previously on his first tour back in February which is crazy to think about. He's come so far in so little time and now has a whole album!

The rock vibes reemerge again for this great song. James' vocals in this song are really good especially in the verses when he's not belting. Other parts such as the bridge and guitar solo are also pretty cool and will be a live favourite.

'White noise', which appears next is the other chiller song in the album. This song is very emotional the message "I'd quite like to go home" and man the orchestra and strings in the background add to the emotional factor. Overall a beautiful song.

Second, to last is 'Denial' Which starts similar to 'White Noise' with the instrument choice but then it turns into a sick guitar beat. The second verse is crazy good with James' vocals with a slightly higher range as that suits him well. I can also understand the lyrics of "Say what I like so I can stay in denial' which can be very relatable for wanting a relationship that'll never work.

Fish eye music video for ‘Denial’

Lastly, is 'don't blame me'. Now I went into full depth on this song in a previous post so I won't go too crazy here. But this song is insanely good from the beats, lyrics, production, and everything in between.

All of these songs come with either a music video or an audio visual that’s super cool and fitting for the song.

Man James has outdone himself. Every time I hear his new songs I think you can't possibly make a song any better but then he does and it's crazy! He must be a wizard or perhaps just a legend, maybe both?

Anyway, let me know your thoughts, and make sure to keep streaming the album as it is climbing the charts as I write.