Contact
Boney James · 2011
44 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A smooth blend of jazz and R&B textures that invites listeners into a warm, melodic soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Contact Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Close to You — This track features lush arrangements and a soulful melody that exemplify James' ability to blend jazz with pop sensibilities, attracting a broad audience.
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Cry — With its emotive saxophone lines and heartfelt instrumentation, this song captures the essence of longing, showcasing James' skillful expression through music.
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Everything Matters — The intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity make this track stand out, highlighting the collaborative nature of the album with various musicians contributing to its richness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases solid musicianship and smooth compositions but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of smooth saxophone melodies layered over rhythmic guitar and keyboard textures.
- Each track maintains a mid-tempo pace, with the majority featuring a relaxed groove that encourages easy listening.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response phrases between the saxophone and other instruments, creating a conversational feel.
- The last two tracks gradually decrease in tempo, providing a gentle conclusion to the album's overall flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
- smooth, relaxing soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Well-received by fans, showcasing Boney James' signature smooth jazz style.
- Themes
- soulful longing· intimate melodies· smooth jazz evolution
- Career context
- By the time 'Contact' was released in 2011, Boney James had already established himself as a prominent figure in smooth jazz, following his successful albums like 'Shine' in 2009. This album marked his tenth studio release and showcased his continued evolution as an artist while maintaining his signature saxophone-driven sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kirk Whalum· David Sanborn· Gerald Albright
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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When I Had the Chance
The narrative moment shifts from reflection to action as the protagonist reveals their regrets about missed opportunities.
This shift emphasizes a turning point in the story, transforming introspective thoughts into a call for taking chances.
Tracklist
- 1 Contact Start here 3:51
- 2 Close to You 4:15
- 3 Spin 4:20
- 4 When I Had the Chance 4:06
- 5 Cry 4:09
- 6 That Look on Your Face 4:48
- 7 Deep Time 4:57
- 8 I’m Waiting 4:13
- 9 There and Back 5:10
- 10 Everything Matters 5:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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