In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist Brendan James and his brand new album titled Focus.
Brendan James’ debut album, Focus, is not just a record—it’s an experience. Released to eager ears and open hearts, Focus arrives as a deeply personal, genre-bending statement that defies easy categorization. It’s gospel meeting alternative, classical fusing with R\&B, pop threading through every track—and above all, it’s a portrait of the artist in the midst of transformation.
At its core, Focus is a coming-of-age opera. Brendan doesn’t shy away from vulnerability—he leans into it. Each song offers a raw glimpse into his evolution as a man, peeling back the layers of past personas and revealing the messy, beautiful truth beneath. It’s not just about who Brendan was; it’s about who he’s becoming.
The album opens with its title track “Focus (GO FAR),” a dreamy, romantic prelude produced by Stroobz. This song sets the tone for what follows: a journey not just through sound, but through soul. From the mellow urgency of “Too Late” to the nostalgic, neighborhood-wrapped charm of “The Yard,” Brendan paints vivid emotional landscapes that are both intimate and universal.
Midway through, the energetic bounce of “Feel Alive” lifts the tempo, while “Thank You” offers a vulnerable moment of gratitude and closure. But it’s “Postlude – The Road” that leaves the most lasting imprint. A stunning classical composition produced by Abraham van Eeden, this track channels the spirit of Luciano Pavarotti and serves as a tribute to the late engineer Zachariah Abram. It’s both a farewell and a celebration—a curtain call soaked in legacy and love.
Yet Brendan doesn’t leave us in solemn reflection. The album closes with the loose, spontaneous joy of “Love In The AM (Demo),” a sonic throwback to carefree 2008 house parties. It’s the perfect final act: unpolished, unguarded, and unforgettable.
Focus is more than an album. It’s Brendan James’ arrival, loud and clear. It’s a multi-genre canvas splashed with truth, love, and the trials of growth. For those seeking sound with soul, lyrics with weight, and music that mirrors life’s complexity, *Focus* is required listening.
Tracklist:
1. Focus (GO FAR)
2. Too Late
3. Fall Asleep
4. The Yard
5. No Rush
6. Southside
7. Too Cold
8. Feel Alive
9. Interlude
10. Thank You
11. Postlude – The Road
12. Can’t Escape
13. Love In The AM (Demo)
Brendan James has arrived. And he’s asking us to Focus.
Are you listening?
Listen to the full project below: