Album Review: James Arthur – Pisces
2 min read
James Arthur’s sixth studio album, Pisces, sets out to be a vulnerable and introspective body of work. Drawing from his personal struggles with depression, ADHD, and the life-changing experience of becoming a father, Arthur attempts to reveal a more tender and reflective side of himself. But despite these heartfelt intentions, the album often feels more like a patchwork of emotional fragments than a unified artistic statement.
From the very first track, Pisces signals a departure from Arthur’s familiar sound. Gone are the gritty ballads that defined his earlier work, replaced by a soft, airy production style meant to evoke a dreamlike atmosphere. Unfortunately, this shift in tone doesn’t quite land. The new sonic direction lacks the emotional punch and energy that made his past songs so compelling.
Songs like ADHD are meant to dive into mental health, but they skim the surface instead of offering meaningful insight. What should be raw and resonant ends up feeling vague and underdeveloped. The same issue arises with the lyrics across much of the album. Tracks like Back to Broken and House of Glass rely on tired metaphors and generic expressions that fail to bring anything new to the table.
Vocally, Arthur still delivers with technical skill, but the emotion often feels overdone. The minimalist production tries to frame his vulnerability, yet instead, it highlights a tendency to overact rather than truly connect. The result is a performance that can feel more theatrical than genuine.
Pacing is another weakness. With most songs sticking to a similar tempo and tone, the album starts to blur together. There’s little variation to keep listeners engaged or to reflect the complexity suggested by the zodiac-inspired title. Pisces hints at duality and emotional depth, but the music doesn’t fully embrace or explore those themes.
To his credit, Arthur’s desire to open up and evolve artistically is admirable. But the execution doesn’t quite support the ambition. The songwriting leans too heavily on predictable tropes, and the production lacks the spark needed to elevate the album’s message.
In the end, Pisces reaches for emotional depth but falls short. While it’s clear that Arthur poured his heart into the project, the final product feels more like a missed opportunity than a bold step forward. For fans hoping for a deeply moving and sonically engaging journey, this album may feel more muted than meaningful.
