James Bay Announces Third Studio Album ‘Leap’

James Bay has returned to music with the announcement of his third full-length studio album, Leap.

On Friday (May 13), the “Hold Back The River” hitmaker announced that his third record would debut on July 8. Fans can pre-order and pre-save Leap here.

Additionally, the record features Grammy Award-winning songwriters and producers. James Bay collaborated with Dave Cobb, Ian Fitchuk, Joel Little, Foy Vance, and Finneas, to create this album. The music was recorded in-person in Nashville and London along with some virtual sessions.

Along with the big announcement, Bay also released another single, “One Life.” The tune was inspired by his partner Lucy.

“This is a song I wrote about me and Lucy,” he said. “We first got together at 16 and have been together ever since. She’s supported me since day 1. From open mic nights, right through to my biggest shows. It’s been one adventure after another, but now we’re on the biggest one of all.  Raising our beautiful daughter Ada.”

Leap Tracklist 

1. “Give Me The Reason”
2. “Nowhere Left To Go”
3. “Save Your Love”
4. “Everyone Needs Someone”
5. “One Life”
6. “Silent Love”
7. “Love Don’t Hate Me”
8. “Brilliant Still”
9. “Right Now”
10. “We Used To Shine”
11. “Endless Summer Nights”
12. “Better”

A Letter From James Bay To Fans About ‘Leap’

In 2019 I was really struggling. I started writing songs to try and help me deal with fear, anxiety and problems with self-confidence. Feelings that run deep, that I’ve never wanted to share. Somehow, it all turned into some of the most hopeful and uplifting music I have ever made.

I didn’t realize I was only halfway through making my third album when I came across John Burroughs’ quote “leap and the net will appear”. It was in a book about creative rediscovery and those words really sparked something in me. I was reading it because I was lost, feeling worthless. By 2020 I’d written a new batch of sad songs. I recorded them and thought the record was done. Then suddenly the world shut down and I couldn’t tour my new music. All I could do was stay home and write more. That’s when the album really started to take shape. It turns out there is light to be found even in the darkest moments.

I spend a lot of time (too much time) tangled up in negative thoughts. It’s so easy to spiral. But during all that extra time writing, I decided to embrace my sadness rather than fight it and I began to recognize what lifts me up when things get tough. Suddenly I was pushing the boundaries of my writing in ways I never had before. I looked around at the people in my life that love and care about me the most and for the first time ever, I found a way to write from that emotion. I’ve always been afraid to go to those places, be that vulnerable; to say I love you, I need you and thank you in my writing.

It was so freeing to celebrate those people in my life that I love the most, that hold me up when I really need it. They’re the ones who give me the courage to go for it, to dare. When I can’t see the net, they give me the courage to leap.