He puts the R&B in alt-pop, the y in James, and a sinking feeling in your soul. Jaymes Young’s new Dark Star project mixes together enticing flavors of depression that you can download for free at jaymesyng.com.

On the album you will find “One Last Time,” a desperate search for companionship before time ends. The raw vulnerability and clarity of Young’s words make this one believable, and for many listeners, relatable.

One track I am stuck on: The cover of Haddaway’s “What is Love?” Young tosses A Night at the Roxbury onto a rose-coated waterbed in a candlelit room. If I had seen the film ten fewer times, I would listen through without picturing Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell’s goofy SNL dance.

The project name leads you to the main event, the keystone and Summer Jams ’13 gem: “Dark Star.” And the song name leads you to how you will feel: scared. For me, I am scared that innocent, baby transformers were harmed during the making of the mellow dubstep beat. Nonetheless, I am excited for you to hear Jaymes Young’s music if you have not already. 

About The Author

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Max Simon is a former Senior Writer who contributed from 2011 until 2014. He has a unique palate for spicy music—the red hot blues, the smoky speak-sing, the zesty jazz trio; it's the taste he craves. He also maybe lived inside The Frequency.