James Arthur is a British singer-songwriter who first gained recognition after winning the ninth season of the UK’s “The X Factor” in 2012. Born on March 2, 1988, in Middlesbrough, England, Arthur began his music career as a busker and later auditioned for “The X Factor” with a cover of the classic hit “Ain’t No Sunshine”. After winning the show, Arthur released his debut single “Impossible,” which became a massive hit in the UK and other countries. The song went on to become the bestselling X Factor winner’s single of all time.
Since then, James Arthur has released several successful albums, including his self-titled debut album, “Back from the Edge,” and “You.” He is known for his powerful and emotive vocals, and his music blends a variety of genres including pop, rock, and soul. Some of his most popular tracks include “Say You Won’t Let Go,” “Impossible,” and “Naked.”
Despite his success, James Arthur has also faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction and mental health issues. He has been open about his struggles and has used his platform to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of mental illness.
Overall, James Arthur remains a respected and influential figure in the UK music scene, known for his raw talent, powerful vocals, and willingness to be vulnerable and honest in his music.
10. Certain Things (James Arthur, 2013)
“Certain Things” is a soulful pop track by James Arthur from his 2016 album “Back from the Edge”. The song features a driving beat, emotional vocals, and a memorable chorus. The lyrics describe the feeling of being in a complicated and tumultuous relationship, with Arthur singing lines such as “I don’t wanna live with all your demons, but I wanna stand by your side” and “We got certain things we need to discuss, and we don’t need nobody to tell us”. “Certain Things” was released as a single and became a fan favorite, showcasing James Arthur’s ability to create emotionally resonant and powerful pop music.
9. Roses (James Arthur, 2013)
“Roses” is a song by British singer-songwriter James Arthur, released in 2021. The song features a stripped-down acoustic arrangement, with Arthur’s soulful vocals at the forefront. The lyrics describe the aftermath of a failed relationship, with Arthur reflecting on the pain of letting go and the beauty of the memories that remain. “Roses” is a poignant and introspective ballad that showcases Arthur’s songwriting ability and vocal range. The song has been praised for its raw emotional honesty and relatable themes, making it a standout track on Arthur’s third studio album “It’ll All Make Sense in the End”.
8. Smoke Clouds (James Arthur, 2013)
“Smoke Clouds” is a soulful and introspective song by British singer-songwriter James Arthur, released in 2014. The song features a simple acoustic guitar riff and James Arthur’s soulful vocals, creating a stripped-down and intimate sound. The lyrics are about the struggles of addiction and the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, expressed through powerful and evocative imagery. “Smoke Clouds” is a standout track from James Arthur’s self-titled album, which earned critical acclaim and helped to establish him as one of the most compelling and authentic voices in contemporary pop music. The song’s emotional depth and raw honesty make it a fan favorite and a highlight of James Arthur’s discography.
7. Suicide (James Arthur, 2013)
“Suicide” is a poignant and emotional ballad by James Arthur from his 2019 album “YOU”. The song features delicate piano and string arrangements that support Arthur’s vulnerable and heart-wrenching vocal performance. The lyrics address the complex and difficult subject of suicide, with Arthur singing lines such as “Don’t you know you’re loved? Don’t you know that you mean everything to me?” and “It’s so hard to speak, but I know I have to try to save you”. “Suicide” showcases James Arthur’s ability to create deeply personal and powerful music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level.
6. Supposed (James Arthur, 2013)
“Supposed” is a soulful and introspective track by James Arthur from his 2019 album “YOU”. The song features a stripped-back and minimalist production that puts Arthur’s emotional and powerful vocals at the forefront. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost and uncertain about the future, with Arthur singing lines such as “I’m supposed to be somebody, but nobody really knows me” and “I’m just trying to find my way back home”. “Supposed” is a fan favorite and a showcase of James Arthur’s ability to create vulnerable and honest music that resonates with listeners.
5. Empty Space
“Empty Space” is a heart-wrenching ballad by British singer-songwriter James Arthur, released in 2018. The song features a delicate piano melody and James Arthur’s soulful vocals, creating a deeply emotional and vulnerable sound. The lyrics are about the aftermath of a breakup and the feeling of emptiness and loneliness that follows, expressed through poignant and relatable imagery. “Empty Space” is a standout track from James Arthur’s album “You”, which showcases his ability to blend powerful and emotive lyrics with soulful and melodic pop music. The song’s emotional intensity and raw vulnerability have made it a fan favorite and a modern classic in the pop ballad genre.
4. Impossible (Europa FM 2013, 2013)
“Impossible” is an emotive ballad by James Arthur from his 2012 debut album. The song features a powerful vocal performance, with Arthur’s soulful and raw voice conveying the heart-wrenching emotion of the lyrics. The song describes the feeling of being brokenhearted and lost, with Arthur singing lines such as “Tell them all I know now, shout it from the roof tops, write it on the sky line”. “Impossible” was released as a single and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the best-selling X Factor winner’s single of all time. The song remains a fan favorite and a showcase of James Arthur’s talent for creating emotionally resonant music.
3. You’re Nobody ’til Somebody Loves You (James Arthur, 2013)
“You’re Nobody ’til Somebody Loves You” is an upbeat and catchy pop track by James Arthur from his 2013 self-titled debut album. The song features a lively horn section, funky guitar riffs, and Arthur’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of being unfulfilled and searching for love and acceptance, with Arthur singing lines such as “You’ve got the words to change a nation, but you’re biting your tongue”. “You’re Nobody ’til Somebody Loves You” was released as a single and became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. The song remains a fan favorite and a showcase of James Arthur’s versatility as an artist.
2. Get Down (James Arthur, 2013)
“Get Down” is an upbeat and funky song by British singer-songwriter James Arthur, released in 2016. The song features a groovy bass line, brass sections and James Arthur’s powerful vocals, creating a dynamic and energetic sound. The lyrics are about the joys of letting loose and dancing, expressed through playful and catchy rhymes. “Get Down” is a standout track from James Arthur’s album “Back from the Edge”, which showcases his versatility as an artist and his ability to create diverse and memorable pop songs. The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for parties and dance floors.
1. Say You Won’t Let Go (Back from the Edge, 2016)
“Say You Won’t Let Go” is a romantic ballad by James Arthur from his 2016 album “Back from the Edge”. The song features a heartfelt vocal performance and acoustic guitar instrumentation. The lyrics describe the feeling of being deeply in love and wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone, with Arthur singing lines such as “I knew I loved you then, but you’d never know ’cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go”. “Say You Won’t Let Go” was released as a single and became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song has become a wedding and romance staple, and is a testament to James Arthur’s ability to create timeless and emotionally resonant music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
