James McCarthy is a musician from Boston, USA. Having been playing all his life, he discovered a love for song writing in his early twenties, using it as a way to navigate his post-college years.

By Graeme Smith

He and his band started the journey to completing his debut album Love Then Heartbreak in 2021. Its ten tracks were written but not yet realised, all of them focussing on themes of love, nostalgia and hope. Of course, you can tell by its title that the album is a bittersweet journey, exploring both sides of the relationship coin.

The album’s story starts looking back before gradually looking to the future. Opening track I’ll Wait For You dwells on thoughts of a former lover while final track Take My Time is tentatively bright as it considers new adventures. The album has two singles which rightly draw focus. Dancing With A Shadow is a punchy piano-led devastating vignette while Flying Higher is sultry and simmering with a classic soul swagger.

Throughout we are treated to James’s emotional and charismatic vocals and some wonderfully timeless instrumentals that range from acoustic folk (Hypnotised, Feel The Same) to jazzy pop (On My Own, Jane Doe) to introspective piano (Let Me Go, Other Side). What stands out most, though, is the song writing. James has the ability to paint a vivid picture with his lyrics.

It seems obvious to say, but if you’ve ever been in love and lost it, then Love Then Heartbreak is the album for you. James brings the themes and emotions of relationships to life like no other, and bares his hard-won war wounds in each of its ten tracks. On top of that, there are some superb alternative pop arrangements on display, ones that will stick with you long after the album’s last note is played.

You can check out Love and Heartbreak below.