James Poole – Page 3 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

Risky Business: An Original by @JamesPoole_ “The Clocks Of Our Lives”

JAMES POOLE, “The Clocks Of Our Lives”

I love it when a singer wants to be a game changer and take risks. UK singer James Poole has set aside his excellent viral cover version choices for an original this time, “The Clocks Of Our Lives”. James has already hinted at taking risks with his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, which was a huge score with a decidedly different version of the song.

“The Clocks Of Our Lives” reminds me particularly of 1970’s Elton John, who also took many risks with long, classically-based songs. Here James incorporates Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianchi” piece into the basis of the melody. So it takes me back to Elton’s best work such as “Tiny Dancer” or “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, but I would say comparisons could also go to Chris de Burgh and his early to mid 80’s works, as well as to Jim Steinman, who wrote such beautiful songs for Meat Loaf.

“The Clocks Of Our Lives” wants the singer to go back in time to start over, but he knows that he has to endure the heartache instead. By the 3 minute mark, when James’ voice soars, it is a heart-wrenching moment. Even though it’s over 5 minutes long, the song never seems that long as its resignation unfolds.

I think James is secretly trying to educate us all on classical music and opera in his music 😉 and he might succeed. This is a brilliant first original, but one that is so bold that I think it might take some time before it could catch on. Nonetheless, it only makes me want to hear more from James Poole and his amazing voice.

Busting A Bold Move: @JamesPoole_ Covers “Dirty Diana”

JAMES POOLE, “Dirty Diana”

I don’t usually get caught up in following viral videos by many singers, but for those that I do, and they are few, it’s a great investment in watching the talent develop.

James Poole will be a big star one day. While I’m still wrapped up in his covers of “Titanium” and “Glad You Came” particularly, it is incredibly brave and bold to cover Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, which happens to be one of my favourites by MJ. For one thing, the song is so goddamn hard to sing!!! It is about something very specific, and if you don’t tap into that, then you might has well be singing just any old song.

James’ version isn’t 100% successful. To me (and I’m not a singer), the beginning is a bit rough, and has to get past the minute mark. BUT by the second minute mark, he is totally nailing it and incorporating his own style too. So don’t get me wrong, James’ cover of “Dirty Diana” is excellent or I would not be writing about it. My reference point for a cover/interpretation of the song though is The Weeknd’s version called “D.D.”.

Bravo James for having the confidence to cover this classic and for keeping it compelling because the last half of the song is brilliant. Keep up to date with James’ videos on his You Tube page.

All Eyes on More Sensational Covers by @JamesPoole_ : “Glad You Came” and “All Of Me”

JAMES POOLE, “Glad You Came” and “All Of Me”

You know that when my most recent blog post was about the same singer that there is something special happening here. I raved about UK singer James Poole’s rendition of “Titanium”, and must draw to your attention two of his other interpretations of The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” (posted today!) and John Legend’s “All Of Me”. Again, oft covered songs, but James totally smashes them. His rendition of “All Of Me” is pretty straight forward, with a gorgeous vocal, but his video is up close and personal with a sincere performance that will make you feel like you’re the only person he’s singing to, with those blue eyes searing right through you. “Glad You Came” has a scruffier looking James mixing it up with his own variation of the song that adds some dashing spoken words which will definitely keep you interested. James Poole has one of the finest voices I’ve heard in a long time and I look forward to the day when a full album surfaces.

A Voice That Soars: “Titanium” by @JamesPoole_

JAMES POOLE, “Titanium”

I often enjoy reading posts from my fellow bloggers as much as I do writing them. And there are the times that I must write about the same performer I’ve just read about 🙂

Such is the case with James Poole, former member of London sextet Class A, who is now striking out on his own with a few online covers. My Fizzy Pop himself has a way with words that just do not come out onto my blog pages the same way, so do check out his recent endorsement of James. I heartily concur. David Guetta & Sia’s “Titanium” is so often covered, and many who post You Tube videos just cannot even come close to the Sia performance (someone like Matthew John Kurz’s rendition notwithstanding 🙂 ). James’ wide-ranging voice starts out low, gains momentum, and has such natural power in the chorus that it not only will send goosebumps through you, but it will nail you deep down. This is a voice made to sing… whatever the heck he wants, really. I’ll be sure to check out his other recent covers, but hopefully some originals are forthcoming that will showcase his voice.

Picture a younger Matt Dusk sound with what My Fizzy Pop says is “classical operatic quality” to his voice… and there you have James Poole. More – much more – please 🙂