James Keen‘s ‘Crossover‘: A Solo Triumph Blending Pop-Rock Mastery with Acoustic Soul
Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer James Keen goes back to his roots with a truly solo ‘Crossover‘ album that he wrote, recorded, performed, produced, and mixed all by himself.
The album is just as ambitious in terms of the richness of the musical landscape, the mixing of genres, and the variety of sounds.
‘Crossover,’ which came from being alone during lockdown, shows how versatile Keen is as an artist.
The first song from the record, “Show Me What You Got,” sets the mood with its deep guitar work and catchy hooks.
Keen wrote, played, and produced all 11 songs on this record, which mixes pop-rock and acoustic styles.
Keen was born in Australia, grew up in Hong Kong, and now lives in London. This musical journey shows how broad his past is.
‘Crossover’ is full of great songs written by Keen. Two songs from the record have already been nominated for the International Acoustic Music Awards, which shows how good it is. His guitar playing is just as amazing, with riffs that fit the songs well without detaining them.
“Crossover” is produced in a way that is just the right mix of slick modern pop and rough, natural sounds.
Songs like “Yes & No” and “Falling Or Flying” show how good Keen is at making tunes that sound good on the radio while still being true to his art.
His singing, which sound like a mix of Neil Young and Tracy Chapman, have emotional weight that cuts across genres.
In his lyrics, Keen tells real stories. “Minutes To Midnight” shows how good he is at telling stories by creating a personal and familiar tale.
This authenticity is palpable in singles like “Show Me What You Got” and “Falling Or Flying”. The lyrics are what really make this record stand out.
Keen isn’t afraid to write about complicated feelings and general topics. The song “Get On Board” has a funky, upbeat vibe, while “On This Rock” is more reflection-based.
Many people say that Keen was influenced by Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” but “Crossover” has its own style. It’s a record that feels both current and ancient, a way to escape without losing touch with the real world.
“Crossover” is the start of a new era for James Keen. This record is a must-listen for anyone who wants real, well-crafted music that speaks to the heart and mind.
