James Arthur's fifth album 'Bitter Sweet Love' goes Silver
It was released in January 2024
Last updated 14th May 2025
James Arthur is known for his huge hits 'Impossible', 'Say You Won't Let Go', 'Rewrite the Stars' with Anne-Marie - and fans were delighted in 2024 when he released his fifth album 'Bitter Sweet Love'.
Now, the BPI have announced that the record has been certified Silver, meaning that album sales have surpassed 60,000 in the UK - pretty impressive!
When was the album 'Bitter Sweet Love' released?
It came out on 26th January 2024, with the deluxe version being released on 28th June 2024. On release day, James took to his socials to share some photos and told his fans in a heartfelt statement: 'BITTER SWEET LOVE 🫶🏼 This record is real special to me, it feels like a proper return to form from the songs to the team around me.
'I appreciate every single one of you that’s listened to music from this album and picked up a copy (or 5!) or bought a ticket to a show on the BSL World Tour this year! I cant wait to sing these songs live for you and to hear what your favourites are, thanks JA x'.
What songs are on James' album 'Bitter Sweet Love'?
Check out the tracklist for James' new album.
- 'Bitter Sweet Love'
- 'Free Falling Lyrics'
- 'Sleepwalking Lyrics'
- 'Blindside'
- 'Just Us'
- 'Comeback Kid'
- 'From The Jump'
- 'A Year Ago'
- 'Ruthless'
- 'New Generation'
- 'My Favourite Pill'
- 'Is It Alright?'
- 'Homecoming'
Where did it come in the charts?
James' fifth album 'Bitter Sweet Love' shot to the top of the UK charts, going straight in at Number 1. James took to Instagram with a heartfelt statement after hearing of his achievement, writing: 'I genuinely didn't realise how much this meant to me until it became a realistic possibility earlier this week.
'This kind of feels like it represents 10 years of monumental highs and lows to me, it's been 8 years since my last number 1 album, a full circle moment if you like. I've felt the pain of everybody writing me off, to be honest I almost wrote myself off once or twice so this feels symbolic somehow, a light at the end of what's been a really dark tunnel at times.
'Finally I want to thank my little ray of sunshine Emily for changing me, for changing everything. All praise to you my little one for making me a better man every day, you inspired Dadda to keep going.
'Thank you Jessica you are phenomenal mum, im so proud of you for how brilliantly you're raising our Emily. Thank you for giving me the best gift imaginable and for all the sleepless days and nights you've had looking after her on those occasions I couldn't be there because I was off chasing my dreams. Without your understanding this wouldn't have been possible so a big part of this number 1 belongs to you.
'The biggest thanks goes to YOU the fans, my devoted fans. I'm emotional writing this because I've watched you rally and campaign for me for over a decade now and you're still here supporting me!!! It's f------ unbelievable to see.
'Thank you to each and every one of you that downloaded, streamed or bought this record you have given me a new lease of life. I think it would've taken me a minute to get back on the horse had we not achieved this goal and I didn't even know I wanted this!!' (sic)
Did James tour the album?
He certainly did! James went on the 'Bitter Sweet Love World Tour', performing throughout the UK in March, June, July and August 2024.
Who did he work with on it?
James co-wrote every song on the album, along with a team of writers including Wayne Hector, who has co-written songs for the likes of Olly Murs, Westlife, One Direction and the Wanted to name but a few.
James also featured American singer Kelly Clarkson on a version of 'From The Jump', which appeared on his deluxe album.
How did James announce the record?
Back in September, after much teasing, James revealed that his fifth record would be called 'Bitter Sweet Love', due to be released on 26th January 2024.
Sharing an image of the album's cover to his Instagram page, James wrote: 'My 5th studio album is due out on January 26th 2024...
'I’ve worked with some incredible creative minds during this process, @edwardcooke who shot the cover has been instrumental in developing the narrative and helping bring Bitter Sweet Love to life in his photos and I can't wait for you all to see what's coming next! Pre-order BSL today 🙏🏻.'
What does James Arthur's new album sound like?
In a post shared to his Instagram page, James opened up about his fifth album, revealing that he wanted to create an album inspired by 'indie, rock’n’roll and Americana music'. He said: 'Bitter Sweet Love largely grew out of my last album. Where my last album hit more of a niche, I wanted to go back to creating songs that really resonate with my audience.
'I dug into my archives of indie, rock’n’roll and Americana music, and wanted to create an album inspired by that sound. I love feeling the palpable energy in the room when playing live, so this album was written with that in mind.'
James previously told us that one of the songs has a country vibe, even saying that he'd love to collab with Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift on the song.
"I'd love Taylor Swift to be part (of it), or Miley Cyrus," he told us: "Those girls cross over into the country and pop world and I'm kind of going there on this new album."
What are the names of his previous albums?
James has already released four Top 5 albums, 'James Arthur' (2013), 'Back from the Edge' (2016), 'You' (2019) and 'It'll All Make Sense in the End' (2021). He also released his sixth album 'Pisces' in April 2025.
You can hear songs by James Arthur on heat radio.
Take a look through James Arthur's fantastic career:
Career beginnings
James began writing and recording songs at the age of 15, performing as both a solo artist and in bands including Moonlight Drive, Cue the Drama, Save Arcade and Emerald Skye from 2005 to 2011.
In 2011, James wrote an album called 'Sins by the Sea' which was uploaded to social media sites, before forming The James Arthur Project and releasing EPs 'Hold On' and 'The EP Collection CD'.
2012: The X Factor
James auditioned for The X Factor in 2012, attending the auditions which took place throughout May and June that year. He sang a cover of 'Young' by Tulisa, who was on the judging panel that year, then 'A Million Love Songs' at Boot Camp - a song by fellow judge Gary Barlow's band Take That. He was in the final against Jahméne Douglas, winning the show.
2013: Debut self-titled album
James released his winners' single, a cover of 'Impossible' by Shontelle in December 2012, which hit the top spot in the UK charts. His self-titled debut album was released in November 2013 and went to Number 2 in the UK, featuring songs like 'You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You', 'Get Down' and 'Roses' featuring Emeli Sandé. In January 2014, he embarked on his first tour, the 'James Arthur Tour', performing 37 dates around Europe.
2014: Controversy and parting ways with Syco
James caused controversy after taking part in rap battles, causing Simon Cowell to say: "I think James, unfortunately, has had so many issues with what he has done publicly – which is a real issue with me... Somebody should have told him to shut up and just put the records out." In June 2014, he announced that he had parted ways with Syco by mutual agreement.
2015-2016: Signing with Columbia Records and second album
James signed a deal with Columbia Records in September 2015 and announced that a new album was on the way. His second album 'Back from the Edge' was released in October 2016, featuring songs 'Say You Won't Let Go' - which was a Number 1 single - and 'Can I Be Him'. James became the first X Factor performer to have two singles sell over a million copies in his home country.
2017: BRIT Awards nominations
In 2017, James' single, 'Say You Won't Let Go', was nominated at the BRITs for British Artist Video of the Year and British Single of the Year. He also released his single 'Naked', and attended The Grammy Museum at one of their Spotlight events after joining OneRepublic on their massive North American tour.
2018-2019: 'Rewrite the Stars' and third album 'You'
In 2018, James teamed up with Anne-Marie on their amazing cover of 'Rewrite The Stars', for The Greatest Showman: Reimagined. He also appeared on Brazilian soap opera O Tempo não Para, singing his song 'Empty Space'. James released his third album 'You' in October 2019, debuting at Number 2 in the UK, it was certified Silver.
2020: Fourth album
James revealed on Twitter in July 2020 that he was working on a fourth album, writing, 'I've been writing the new album for the last couple of months. I couldn't be more excited to share with you this new lane I'm playing around in, I think you'll be surprised in a good way. This is the album I've wanted to make for so long! #IWAMSITE.' He also worked on song 'Lasting Lover' with DJ Sigala.
2021: New singles and release of fourth album
James delighted his fans in 2021 when he dropped a number of new tracks, including 'Medicine', 'September' and 'Emily'.
The singer's fourth studio album 'It'll All Make Sense In The End' was released on Friday 5th November 2021.
2022: James releases the deluxe version of his album
On 11th March 2022, James released the deluxe version of his album 'All Make Sense In The End'. On the day of release he shared a heartfelt message to his fans saying: 'I love you all so much it hurts my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️'.
In 2022, James also bagged the Award-Winning Song gong, for his track 'Lasting Lover' with Sigala, at the BMI London Awards.
2023: James announces collab with Alok
In January 2023, James announced he and Brazilian DJ Alok have a new song called 'Work With My Love', it was released on 13th January. The song samples 'Lola's Theme', by The Shapeshifters.
2023: James teases his fifth album
On top of that, James announced in January 2023 that not only did he have a fifth album on the way, but he was putting the finishing touches on it! Despite not letting any details slip on a release date, it certainly got fans excited for the year ahead.
2023: Big wins for James
In June 2023, James took to Instagram to celebrate some pretty huge wins! As well as bagging a Brits Billion Award from BPI, for over a billion streams in the UK, he also celebrated a diamond award, for going 10 x Platinum in America... Impressive!
Sharing a snap of him holding his shiny new awards, James wrote: 'What amazing year so far. I managed to pick up a diamond award for going 10 times platinum in America and a @brits billion award for over a billion streams in the UK alone. Thank you for all your continued support on this bizarre rollercoaster we're on.'
2023: New singles
On 12th May, James released a brand new single titled 'A Year Ago'. Fans were elated with new music from the singer.
On top of teasing his fifth album, James then announced another single on 24th July. The song, which was released date of 4th August, is called 'Blindside' and showcases a more upbeat vibe from the award-winning singer.
2023: James releases his fifth album
James took to Instagram in September 2023 to finally reveal the name and release date of his highly-anticipated fifth album. Titled 'Bitter Sweet Love', the album was released on 26th January 2024.
2023: James Arthur announces his 'Bitter Sweet Love' tour
James Arthur's 'Bitter Sweet Love' tour will see the artist perform eight UK dates as part of a wider world tour. He starts the UK leg of his tour in Bournemouth in March 2024.
2024: James Arthur releases collab with Kelly Clarkson
In April 2024, James announced he was re-releasing his album track 'From The Jump', with the one and only Kelly Clarkson. Fans loved how amazing the pair's vocals sounded together.
2025: James Arthur releases his sixth album
James Arthur revealed in December 2024 that his sixth album would be called 'Pisces', it was then released on 25th April 2025. It features his songs 'ADHD' and 'Celebrate'.
2025: James Arthur announces 'Pisces' tour
In March 2025, tickets to see James Arthur's 'Pisces' tour in 2026 went on sale. His tour will start in Nottingham on 3rd February, before he travels across the UK, ending his tour in Manchester on 21st February.
2025 - James Arthur announces Summer 2026 dates
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about James Arthur
James Arthur's amazing career timeline so far
James Arthur's sixth album 'Pisces': Here's everything we know so far