Released: June 1, 2018

By: James Smith

Singer James Smith made his mark when he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent with Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” when he was 15 years old. Four years later, he releases his debut EP.

Smith’s voice is fantastic. It has a roughness to it that makes him sound older than 19, but still has a softness to it that makes the tender parts of his songs sweet. He doesn’t hold back with his emotions and may remind you of a deeper sounding Shawn Mendes.

His lead single “Little Love” has lyrics and passion of someone twice his age. The EP gives us both a rock and dance take of the single. He also covers Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” and changes it enough that you forget it was someone else’s song.

Final say: Love this debut. ★★★★★