The much awaited album from electro-junkie-turned-soul extraordinaire Jamie Lidell is here! His previous album Multiply was one of those under-the-radar type indie LPs that showed so much promise from a man that had seemed to wake up one day and realize he had an incredible voice. But a voice only gets you so far, and you don’t have to tell Lidell. He has an uncanny knack for rhythm and sunshine motown classic beats. And if that’s not enough, Lidell excudes a captivating blend of style, class, and eclecticism that makes his music all that more appealing.

From listening to Multiply, it was apparent the way Lidell was actually identifying with his change in identity from noise maker to booty shaker. And it now seems that with Jim, Lidell is continuing that journey of self-discovery and self-shaping. “Another Day” is a sweet-talking, hoppy soul ditty where he sings, “Another day / another way / for me to open up to you.” Indeed, he has. Listening to “Green Light” reminds me a little of Al Green, with Jim’s effortless transitions to falsetto. It amazes me how much Lidell can do with simple, catchy instrumentation–his voice is so fluid and dynamic that it becomes as interesting an instrument as any on the album. The eccentric video for “Little Bit of Feel Good” (posted here last week) is well-suited for the quirky positivity of the song itself. “Out of My System” and “Wait for Me” are both apt for raising seratonin levels as well.

How often do you get an album with substance that also makes you feel good? The answer is not often. So go and get Jim.

Listen to “Another Day” (4.9/5)

Listen to “Green Light” (4.9/5)

Jamie Lidell-er, Jim-is soon to be back with a new long player titled Jim. The artwork is absolutely breathtaking, and from the sound of Multiply, I just can’t wait! The album is due out April 29. Get psyched ladies and gentlemen!

Track listing:

01 Another Day
02 Wait for Me
03 Out of My System
04 All I Wanna Do
05 Little Bit of Feel Good
06 Figured Me Out
07 Hurricane
08 Green Light
09 Where D’You Go
10 Rope of Sand