James Vickery - “(I Get So) Emotional”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…John Legend, Boyz II Men, Musiq Soulchild

James Vickery is unabashedly embracing 90s-vibed R&B vocal runs on his latest string of singles, none more so than the middle-school-gym slow dance “(I Get So) Emotional”. “With U” and “The Reason” don’t fall too far from there, part boy-band catchiness and part a very specific kind of 90s sexy. It feels like these tracks are all part of the same project, but we await word of a follow-up to 2021’s Songs That Made Me Feel. It’s honestly refreshing to hear an artist like Vikery just go all-in on whatever they are going for. On top of that, he’s got the pipes, nailing these melodies with expert-level precision. James Vickery has two showcases line up so far, both alongside a cool mix of soul peers, Wednesday night at Speakeasy for Everything R&B and Friday at Augustine for CXRnB. (Kevin McStravick)

2019 Review: James Vickery is a voice, an R&B singer that draws from classic riffs to deliver vocal runs that stir and shake on his 2018 sophomore EP Until Morning. Vickery’s sound is somewhere between ambient electronic pop and performing in front of a jazz quartet, an ultra-smooth sound that still feels wholly current in its vague, mysterious air. That said, this is music for lighting candles and getting your romantic side out, love songs cooly created and easy to the ear.