Post- “Say You Won’t Let Go,” British artist James Arthur continues to build a convincing case as pop’s next big artist stateside with “At My Weakest.”

“I knew I loved you then / But you’d never know / ‘Cause I played it cool / When I was scared of letting go.” If you are unaware those lyrics hail from the incredibly popular James Arthur song “Say You Won’t Let Go”, then perhaps you might just be living under a rock.  While the British pop artist hasn’t broken through with his albums, the aforementioned single is multiplatinum certified by the RIAA. Perhaps a pair of new singles – “You Deserve Better” and “At My Weakest” are the catalyst for Arthur to expand his popularity stateside.

“At My Weakest” is set in a lilting, six-eight meter – can you say slow-jam?  James Arthur exhibits soulful pop balladry, nailing his vocal performance, showing ample versatility. He sings in his lower register initially, eventually ascending into his middle and upper register.  By the memorable chorus, he showcases his full range of power, supported by soulful backing vocals that match his intensity.

“Oh, here I go, down that road

Again, and again the fool rushin’ in

But I can’t help when I feel some kind of way

Do you feel the same? ‘Course

And I fall, I fall for you

You caught me at my weakest

And I’ll fall for you.”

Also, worth noting is the fact that he gives us a dose of falsetto – *swoons*. After keeping things ‘bassy’ early on, Arthur sings higher on the second verse, residing in his middle/mid-upper register.  His best, most dynamic moment occurs on the bridge, as the love’s got him feeling some type of way (“Love, you gonna-gonna hold on me / Tell me what you gonna do to me”).

Final Thoughts

“At My Weakest” contrasts “You Deserve Better,” but the common denominator between both equally enjoyable singles is James Arthur.  It can be argued whether either song is a classic, but what inarguable is Arthur’s sick set of pipes.

James Arthur • You Deserve Better / At My Weakest – Single • Sony Music Entertainment • Release: 6.1.18

Photo Credit: Sony Music Entertainment