Solo excursions that are distinctly different from a musician’s primary gig aren’t rare at all – not when it’s easier to make music than ever before. This certainly applies to Things Change, the new album from Thousand Below vocalist James DeBerg. His new album, Things Change, is a shockingly well-developed blend of pop and R&B influences that manage to cram massive hooks into most of the tracks.
While a short affair at 10 songs, the shorter length lends itself well to replay value – especially on the album’s arguable best song, “I Don’t Even Know U”. Album opener and title track “Things Change” is also a highlight, directly referencing DeBerg’s tenure as Thousand Below’s vocalist, even making note of the band’s 2017 debut record reaching “eleven million streams”. There’s certainly a lot of self-awareness here.
All in all, this is an admirable effort from DeBerg. Similar to what ex-Volumes vocalist Michael Barr is doing (though on a slightly different level), DeBerg’s diverse vocals and relaxing atmosphere on the record make Things Change worth at least a few listens. Perhaps more, too!
