All James’ latest score, Best Time of Year, carves a niche in the Christmas music scene, an ambitious feat given the competition with time-honoured classics. Right from the outset, the classic strings strike an affecting chord, setting an emotionally heightened tone. As the track unfolds, All James’ affinity for Coldplay is apparent in the poignant minor key piano progressions, yet this influence never overshadows the ornate sublimity of the neo-classic pop production.
The artist’s accoladed musical project, renowned for blending pop with orchestral soundscapes, draws from a diverse palette of inspiration, juxtaposing the signatures of Hans Zimmer, Enya and Kodaline within a bedrock of cultivation that only years of blood, sweat and tears can construct. Best Time of Year is a testament to this rich influence, characterised by lush orchestral arrangements interwoven with contemporary pop nuances.
The single is a canvas of connectivity, inviting listeners to forget the commercialism often associated with the season and reconnect with its true meaning. James’ composition nudges you to rekindle a passion for the festive period’s magic, echoing the emotive power of iconic holiday scores like the closing sequence in ‘The Snowman’.
Best Time of Year will reach all major streaming platforms on November 1st; find your preferred way to listen via All James’ official website.
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Review by Amelia Vandergast
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