Brendan James - Day Is Brave (CD)

All Music Guide

With Colbie Caillat and Sara Bareilles topping the charts, the market is ripe in 2008 for a solo artist like Brendan James. The New Hampshire native wields a sensitive voice and competent piano chops, while his songs brim with the same sort of adult contemporary hooks that orchestrate episodes of Grey's Anatomy. James maintains a relaxed pace and sticks to leisurely tales of childhood, smalltown life, and botched relationships, with a handful of nature metaphors ("Early April Morning" signifies rebirth; "The Sun Will Rise" represents faith) peppering the mix. There's certainly an audience for such easygoing material, and some listeners might find James' gauzy debut to be perfect background music.

- Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide