Looking at the title, one would assume this was a love song but as soon as play is pressed the tide shifts. James TW started dating what he thought would be his wife when he was only 16, then as the reality of 2020 set in – his own life took a drastic turn. Being an artist at heart, he poured his creativity into the breakup and from that, a cascade of songs started to take shape. That includes “Hopeless Romantics.”
While the musical arrangement helps move the song along, it’s more of a vehicle because right away James TW’s vocals are a standout. There is a vulnerability in every line that escapes his lips and that makes listeners hang on to every word from start to finish. We’re instantly taken aback by the narrative of someone who believed they had the grandest love story of all time, and cannot understand what exactly caused them to take a turn for the worse.
“Hopeless Romantics” is one of those songs that plenty of people are going to be able to attach themselves to. Which, while heartbreak is a beast to deal with – it’s always comforting to know 1. You’re not alone and 2. There is a song you can listen to on repeat to help ease the pain a bit. It’s also a lesson to those out there – when life deals you a bad hand, cut up the cards and make art.
From ‘Ellen’ to ‘Billboard,’ James TW has managed to make a mark and garner the attention of many, and over two billion streams. Yes, two billion, and that number is steadily climbing with the release of “Hopeless Romantics,” available now on all major music and streaming platforms.
Written by Kendra Beltran
