初期NPGで活躍したロージー・ゲインズの甥っ子という縁もあって、プリンスに強い憧れを抱いてきたというロー・ジェイムズ。ミゲルやステイシー・バースの楽曲で共作者に名を連ね、2013年のEP3連作でも知られるNYのシンガーが、バイストーム経由でいよいよメジャー・デビューだ。ウィリー・ハッチの定番ネタを甘美に敷いたサウンズ製の“Permission”がすでにヒット中だが、例えばそこからチャンス・ザ・ラッパーの“Lost”を連想するのも容易なように、耽美な先人の作法を幻惑的なアンビエンスやトラップ・ソウルで濾過したような心地良い潤いが、伝統的にしてモダンな作品全体の情緒の根源となっている。インターンズによるメロディアスな“Burn Slow”がどこか“Beautiful Ones”を思わせたり、歌い口の端々に紫の流儀を受け継ぎつつ、スライやジョデシィ、ジョニー・キャッシュらの色も配合された結果、この主役ならではの折衷的な彩りが開花したと言えるだろう。ミゲルのように化ける可能性大な逸材の好盤。
[English Translation]
RO JAMES has been greatly admiring Prince due partly to his aunt Rosie Gaines having been a member of the early NPG. Listed as a co-producer for some releases from Miguel or Stacy Barthe, the NY singer, also known for his 3 serial EPs in 2013, has finally made his major album debut from Bystorm. "Permission" produced by SoundZ, flowing mellifluously on the Willie Hutch's signature track, has already been a hit. As the track readily reminds you of Chance The Rapper's "Lost," the traditional yet modern feel of the whole album roots on the pleasant moisture of sound that seems to be old timers' aesthetic manners filtered with entrancing ambience or trap soul. The melodious "Burn Slow" produced by Da Internz recalls "Beautiful Ones" in some way, and RO's singing proves that he inherits the style of the singer in purple jacket. Meanwhile, the album is also colored by the influence of Sly, Jodeci or Johnny Cash, resulting in a colorful blending of different styles that cannot be found in any other artist than RO. An excellent album from the gifted artist with a huge potential of becoming very big like Miguel.
