James Arthur releases his fifth album 'Bitter Sweet Love' with a heartfelt statement
He's also going on tour
Last updated 11th Apr 2024
James Arthur is known for his huge hits 'Impossible', 'Say You Won't Let Go', 'Rewrite the Stars' with Anne-Marie, and his 2023 song 'Blindside', and now he's finally released his fifth album 'Bitter Sweet Love', and teased a new version of his song 'From The Jump' with Kelly Clarkson.
On release day (26th January), 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'.
Despite the album only being out a few hours, fans have been listening to it loads, with one person writing: 'This album is absolutely top and so beautiful, we know that it's a number one album (you always give the best from the best)🩷🙏 so love it! Can't wait see you again, love you😍🩷🙏 so hope can meet you again, too, miss you lots 🥹🙏💙 such a beautiful work you gave to the world @jamesarthur23 🩷'.
Days before the album's release, James shared a very upbeat song 'New Generation', which has a rocky vibe. In the video, James can be singing along to the song as he strums on his guitar, plays the keyboard, and jokes around with a toy squeezy alligator.
Fans are absolutely loving the new sound, with one writing: 'THIS ONES GONNA BE LEGENDARY 🙌', and another saying: 'I'm so excited for this one!!!'.
Back in September, after much teasing, the 35-year-old revealed that his fifth record is called 'Bitter Sweet Love' and is 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."
Since his last album, James has released a couple of dance tracks, 'Lose You' with Afrojack and 'Work With My Love' with Alok. Although not confirmed, if they are included on the record then they would be a departure from his usual music, which, in his own words is: "Sad and heart-wrenching."
During an interview with us he did however say that releasing the song with Alok has allowed him a couple of months to: "Finesse (his own) music", so it is likely we will hear more of the music fans know him for.
Now you can listen to it!
What songs are on James' new album?
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'
What is James' new album called?
James' new album is called 'Bitter Sweet Love.'
When is the new album out?
James fifth album 'Bitter Sweet Love' was released on 26th January 2024.
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).
You can hear songs by James Arthur on MFR.
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.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about James Arthur
James Arthur's amazing career timeline so far
6 songs you didn't know were by Lost Frequencies