Samantha James Album: “Subconscious”

I stumbled upon Samantha James, via DJ Kaskade and I can't put into words how excited I am to have been able to experience her awesome sound!

Honestly, once I previewed the track, "Waves Of Change" months ago, I knew this album would please. BUT FINALLY IT'S HERE! ...and it didn't disappoint! That magical sound... that chill vibe ...those seductive lyrics, it's all here! As you listen to it, you just get lost in this amazing journey of sound and emotion. THIS ALBUM IS A SLAM DUNK and a MUST-BUY!!! IT'S AMAZING!

A special thanks to Samantha James for having the courage and talent to create music from the soul, and lyrics from the heart. And to OM Records for having the B---- to support and produce real music, from real artists.

Again, GREAT ALBUM!

I made sure to take my time before rating Samantha James' sophomore album. Not that I regret my 3-star rating of her first effort, but after I wrote that first review--in which I suggested "Rise" didn't merit many repeated listens--I indeed did go back and listen to it a few more times, and I started to understand its depth. "Rise" still does amble too much on certain tracks and come too close to mainstream female pop at times, but it is a very, very good debut.

That being said, I was genuinely surprised by "Subconscious." Where her first album already had catchy little melodies scattered here and there, her second is much more focused in song. Tracks like "Satellites", "Amber Sky", and "Tonight" are simply better and more individually unique than possibly anything off her first album, even if songs like "Veil", "Life Is Waiting", and "Free" are just alternate versions of "Enchanted Life", "Living Without You", and "Right Now" respectively.

As with her first effort, "Subconscious" is highly enjoyable and soothing. But she still suffers from often silly songwriting. "Even when the sun fades/And clouds stay/With you/I know I'll find a way." Really? "Touch me/Hold me close/Life is waiting." Oh boy... A close look reveals that she is getting a little better, particularly on tracks like the heartfelt "Satellites" and "Again and Again". But when the quote on the sticker of the album cover claiming that "Samantha James is an amazing songwriter" was uttered by a techno producer (in this case, Kaskade), you can only take it so seriously.

Still, "Subconscious" is a good album that fits in well right alongside "Rise". Two albums into her career, James already has established a style and is batting a thousand.

It's said that the sophomore record is the toughest one. That clearly wasn't a problem for SJ. She knocks it out of the park on this one. It's at least as good as the first one, and I'm debating whether I think it's even better. If you were hoping for her to take a new direction for the second album, you'll be disappointed. It's pretty much a continuation of her previous sound so don't expect any major evolution of sound as you had for example between the first Blue Six album and the second one. However, to me that's a good thing in this case. The music is lush, melodic and sensual with that ethereal quality of voice that you've come to expect from her. This music is the soundtrack for late night lounging. And if you're looking for some background music for lovin' you might want to keep this right next to your Sade albums.

And I'm not disappointed. Samantha James 2nd album is completely amazing and I can't stop listening to it. Her angelic voice just sets the perfect mood to go for a ride and even for a goodnight sleep. I'm very happy that I found out about this singer and I hope she gets more recognition. I highly recommend this and her previous album "Rise". <3

Wonderful chill beats with positive lyrics. I use this album during my yoga class as well as in my car.