Cristian James - 3 Brunettes 1 Blonde

​Cristian James

​3 Brunettes 1 Blonde
self-released; 2018

3.5 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Cristian James is a singer/songwriter originally from Waynesboro, GA and is currently located in Hampton, Virginia. James recently released 3 Brunettes 1 Blonde which is a four-song EP that fits into a pop/singer-songwriter category.

The EP was professionally recorded and fits the bill for commercial, radio ready material. Suffice it to say the production and recording quality worked for the type of songs that were presented.

Up first is “Maybe” which is a catchy song any way you look at it. I was impressed by the hooks and the songwriting in general. James sings about young romantic love and how he smokes the same cigarettes and drinks the same alcohol but how he doesn’t think he’s good enough to be with her. I wanted a little confidence form the protagonist and not to play such a beta passive role. If he likes her then he should go for it but absolutely understand where he was coming from.

Maybe he is singing about the girl he wasn’t sure he was good enough for to get on “Please Don’t Go (Stay).” The title says it all as he sings about her not going somewhere. I’m not sure where she is going or why she is leaving. It’s ambiguous as to whether she is leaving for the night or longer.

Up next is “40,000 Feet” which is ballad on the EP. It’s more reflective and melds emotions like melancholy and hope. He closes with “Kissoff to the Selfish Girls (Snapchat Song)” which I think is a song that is clearly more relatable for a younger generation who grew up on Snapshot. I have to admit I’m in my late thirties and have no desire to find out what Snapshot is. I will say this song feels like straight up pop-punk.

​James is young guy singing about love and relationships. He doesn't’ go much past the surface lyrically and avoids ambiguity, metaphors and more nuanced detail that emerges with adult relationships. I’m fine with that because I think this music will primarily resonate with a younger audience who appreciate pop music.

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