Listen: Lulu James – “Beautiful People”

Ahead of the release of her upcoming and as yet untitled EP, South Shields’ Lulu James continues to mesmerise with the self-branded ’21st century soul’ vibes of “Beautiful People”.

Although still staying true to her soft-house soul sounds as heard on the 2013 standout release “Sweetest Thing”, James proves that she can captivate with a slower, heavier beat. “Beautiful People” is an extraordinary vehicle for her adaptable and impressive vocal range.

With an addictive, textured beat that brings to mind elements of old-school RnB and garage, and a smokey, seductive vocal tone that both hits low along with the heavy bass, and rises – without faltering – above the deep backing arrangement, “Beautiful People” takes the basic elements of soul music and gives it a provocative, infatuating spin.

If James set out to bewitch as many people as possible with an irresistibly enticing, velvety vocal that could quite easily be listened to on repeat through a crackling record player or in the setting of a too-cool bar, expensive drink in hand, then “Beautiful People” succeeds. It’s spellbinding.

Lulu James plays Redfest, Surrey on 26 July.