‘Celebrate’ James Arthur’s Powerful Songwriting Through His New Single

Brand new single ‘Celebrate’ by James Arthur has just dropped and it’s filled with raw emotion that will certainly have you captivated. It follows his last single release of 2024 ‘ADHD’, in anticipation for his new album coming out on March 21st ‘PISCES’. An intimate exploration into James himself, from these first two singles and the title being his star sign, listeners can already connect to him on a much deeper level. 

James Arthur has already shown the world his talent as a pop and soul sensation, particularly as his latest album ‘Bitter Sweet Love’ became number one on the UK album charts, this being his second number one album. Alongside in his discography are his instantly recognisable hits such as  ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’, ‘Impossible’ and ‘Can I Be Him’. His new record however will explore more around mental health and vulnerability in his personal life with a more experimental sound. 

James has posted videos on the lead up to the singles release on social media including behind the scene footage from what looks like a potential music video, playing the track for his friends and revealing some of the song writing process. In one video he explains how the song started from a “simple piano idea” versus how it now sounds with the added layers. Listening to the two side by side really makes you appreciate every element of the finished version. The song is introduced to us by the chatter of people mixed in with the same piano arrangement that stays throughout, even from the first few seconds this perfectly encapsulates the meaning behind the song. Not being able to ‘celebrate’ amongst others in the same way, causing an immediate divide between James and them, leaving him to feel as though he’s “trapped”. 

‘Celebrate’ is a strong introspective track exploring James’ self realisations and growth as a person. The main chorus of the song depicts how James feels in situations where he typically should be celebrating, with his signature raspy voice he sings, “Like tryna punch a hole in the cellophane / While everybody celebrates / But they don’t know I’m trapped / Show me how to numb the pain”. As a listener you get a glimpse into the loneliness he feels and that for him he doesn’t feel as though there is a way out. His artwork for the single goes hand in hand with this overall theme, as James is surrounded by what looks to be people at a party and he stands alone in the middle as they celebrate around him. 

Around the 1:20 mark there is a break in the song for James to talk, almost like he’s leaving a  voicemail for someone saying “I’m, I’m , I’m not gonna come tonight / I’m just / I’m just”. The hesitation and stuttering showcase the anxiety he’s facing and the lack of control he has on how he’s feeling as he doesn’t even know how to describe it himself. By adding this into the song it only emphasises the personal connection to every line he sings. In the first verse he talks about this anxiety singing “Anxiety can be deceiving, lets the demons relax / Relax”, between these lines there is an octave gap where the second “Relax” is much lower than the first. Potentially suggesting that darker issues are being suppressed. 

This track serves as an example, just like most of James’ songwriting, how impactful and powerful music can be as fans are already relating and sharing their own stories and experiences in connection. One even wrote “how can a song reach the depths of my being?” In astonishment of the talent of James Arthur. If this single is anything to go by then his brand new album is only going to share even more inward details of his journey. 

Emma Turner

@ems.lens3

Image: ‘Celebrate’ Official Single Cover

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