Joshua James’ new album received 92 out of 100 stars by Paste Magazine and, after listening to it, I completely understand why. 

James’ music is gaining popularity across the nation and even the world, but especially here in Utah Valley. For some reason, I never jumped on the Joshua James bandwagon, and I don’t really know why. Whenever he plays around here the shows are packed, and I never understood the hype. But after listening to his latest release, “Build Me This,” I don’t need any more convincing. 

My first thought after listening to the album was, “Now this is folk-rock.” If I needed one album to define what folk-rock sounds like, “Build Me This” would be all I would need. James’ soulful voice and beautiful lyrics, combined with piano, guitar and, of course, the harmonica, create — more plainly than any other album I’ve listened to recently — my definition of folk music. 

There are a lot of bands in the indie world right now that mix folk and pop and other genres together. I love all of the different variations of indie folk, but this album is straight-up folk music, similar to the styles and music of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and other folk icons of the ’60s and ’70s. 

James’ passion for music is captured beautifully on the album and his emotions are clearly seen and felt in each song.

I could listen to this album over and over all day without growing tired of it. Now that I’m hooked, I can’t wait to go back and listen to James’ previous albums. My favorite tracks on the album are “Coal War” and “Wilted Daisies.”