Hayden James Soars to New Heights on ‘We Could Be Love’

Australian multi-platinum-selling artist Hayden James delivers his third studio album, We Could Be Love, including lead single “Deep Diving” featuring SHELLS.

Hayden James only gets better with each release. Over the years, fans have felt his music capture the hearts of millions from around the globe. His most recent album, We Could Be Love, is now available on Future Classic.

James released his breakout hit, “Permission To Love,” in 2013, followed by the iconic 2016 single, “Something About You” and 2018’s smash hit “Just Friends,” all before releasing his first full-length album. 2019 saw the release of Between Us. The 11-track LP included hits such as “NUMB” featuring GRAACE and “Better Together” featuring Running Touch.

His most recent release, LIFTED, delivered him to the world’s most prestigious festival stages. All the while, James was molding and perfecting a pop-dance crossover sound that was exclusively and instantly recognizable as his own.

As time passes and dance music trends ebb and flow like the tides, Hayden James’ music continues to thrive in a niche that is neither entirely club centric nor exclusively radio ready. James’ high energy and feel-good productions allow his music to shine within a vast realm of dance music that resonates with fans of all kinds. His production style expertly blends the vocals of up-and-coming singers with easily danceable grooves and powerful drops. It continues to bolster his reputation one of the most talented producers out of Australia since Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker.

“So excited to share this new record with you. Feels like ‘Deep Diving’ comes from classic HJ vibes. A big reference for this record was my 2016 release, ‘Just A Lover’. I’ve been a fan of Sarah (SHELLS) for many years, so to work with her for the first single of the album is a dream.”
Hayden James

We Could Be Love is James’ most successful album to date. The lead single, “Deep Diving” featuring SHELLS, delivers James’ iconic kick drums, sharp snares, and powerful percussive elements that set the groundwork for airy, passionate vocals to lift fans to new heights. While James’ has held on to his instantly recognizable sound, it is clear we have entered a new era of his music in the best way possible.

Hayden James’s latest album, We Could Be Love, is now available on all major platforms. Listen on Spotify below, and read on for our full review.

Nearly a year before the rest of the album saw the light of day, the album’s title track, “We Could Be Love” featuring AR/CO, hit the airwaves with its powerful melodic bass line and instantly danceable rhythms. As we delve deeper into James’ latest album, though, the opening track, “Patience,” is the breath of fresh air of new music in 2024 that only Hayden James can provide.

While early stand-outs come from “All In,” a late summer banger comes steeped in warmth. At the same time, “Medicine” featuring Izzy Bizu delivers similar golden hour energy while James’ production allows the vocalists to shine. His perfectly placed percussion, well-polished low end, and perfectly placed claps carry the vibe throughout.

One of the album’s grittiest, most club-centric tracks is the thumping tech house banger “The Pleasure.”

This fresh single takes us back to Hayden James’ early era. His synth work on this one is second to none as he sprinkles in just the right amount of acid house stabs. It will indeed have you cutting shapes across the floor in no time. Meanwhile, “Don’t Let Me Go” featuring Tudor puts us back in our feelings as James’ signature uplifting melodic energy sweeps us off our feet and into the upper reaches of We Could Be Love.

The warm, melodic vibes are in high supply on “Waves Out” featuring Ross Quinn and “Shelter.” While unique to each other, both tracks do an excellent job of solidifying that iconic Hayden James sound. Each carries perfectly balanced melodies, exceptional vocal mixing, and danceable beats that work together in perfect harmony.

Entering the final throes of We Could Be Love, one of the album’s strongest tracks is “Imagine” featuring Hyzteria. Her vocal work is easily some of the strongest on the entire album. Hayden James’ ability to find some of the best up-and-coming vocalists in dance music is second to none.

Few artists today have continued to elevate their sound with every release the way that Hayden James has.

Hayden James – We Could Be Love – Tracklist:

Patience (feat. Karen Harding)

Deep Diving (feat. SHELLS)

We Could Be Love (feat. AR/CO)

All In

Medicine (feat. Izzy Bizu)

The Pleasure

Don´t Let Me Go (feat. Tudor)

Waves Out (feat. Ross Quinn)

Shelter

Imagine (feat. Hyzsteria)

Make It (w/Kormak)

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