“The Race” by Chris James takes catchiness to a new level. The chords outline a fresh progression. The drums fall right in the pocket. The melody is unforgettable. The way his voice interacts with the instrumentation is quite frankly brilliant. You’ll be left with a new favorite pop track–or even a new favorite pop artist.
A rhythmic acoustic guitar acts as an underpinning for this sultry, hummed melody. For just a few moments, we bask in the subtle beauty of the sparse intro. “I found myself on the freeway / One hundred and eighty / But something is changing,” Chris croons as the drum groove sets in. Little guitar motifs and background vocals fill out the background. The sectionality moves along quite quickly, plunging into a rhythm-driven pre-chorus, then, delightfully, the chorus–and lo and behold–the intro melody returns. As Chris floats down a gloriously repetitive sequence, the listener melts into the vibrant “boom-clap” of the drums. This chorus is so naturally infectious, it feels serendipitous. You’ll be closing your eyes and bobbing your head in no time.
This chorus occurs a few more times, but each time you’re even more delighted and intrigued than the last. It eventually culminates in a covered, distorted fade-out. “The Race” will leave you wanting more from Chris James, and much to our collective delight, there’s definitely more where that came from. Be sure to follow him on your choice of streaming service or social media platform! You’ll be glad you got to know this organically talented artist.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
