Much to the delight of fans, Friday (21 November) saw Britpop icons James release their highly anticipated best-of compilation album Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of. A four-hour celebration of four decades of hits, and featuring never-heard-before remixes and edits, this album is a triumph for both casual and hardcore fans of the nineties superstars.
Kicking off fittingly with the Manchester rockers’ debut single ‘What’s The World’, the album takes listeners right back to where it all started with Factory Records in 1983 with their debut EP Jimone. Discussing themes of commercialism and identity, the track has remained in the hearts of fans throughout their entire career, even earning itself enough admiration from indie legends The Smiths to be covered by them in 1985. A perfect demonstration of the vocal capabilities of frontman Tim Booth, there is no question of a more suitable opener for the album – even if the track’s message is slightly ironic for a “hits album”.
The album leads straight on into another fan favourite, ‘Hymn From A Village’, a jangly number which acts to criticise the plasticity of the pop music industry. Emanating the sound of jangle-pop pioneer Johnny Marr, the 1985 track is certainly of its time, keeping in with the band’s distinctive eighties sound as the album moves on to track three: ‘Chain Mail.’
A personal highlight of the entire release has to be the ‘Sit Down -7” Rough Trade Version’, a distinctive, era-defining classic of the group’s discography. Easily the best version of the Gold Mother single released to-date, the Rough Trade re-release takes the track in an entirely different direction. Offering vocals that are far more relaxed, layered over a brighter composition of guitars and keys, the overall effect is almost magical. Managing to keep all of the energy and layering of the original release, while stripping the track back to pure essence and joy, the result is not only delightful but more personal and undoubtedly nostalgic: a brilliant take on the 1991 cult-classic.
The ‘How Was It For You? – 7” Version’ is just as phenomenal, keeping all of the grunge of the guitars while retaining only the bare bones of the tune. There is no doubt that the highlights of this compilation are all in the single versions, taking classic releases and re-spinning them into something nostalgic yet refreshing and new – a talent the group has never seemed to lack both in the studio and on stage.
While ‘Born Of Frustration’ and ‘Waltzing Along’ are no stranger to a James fan’s playlist, the single versions of the tracks offer even more depth, taking the listener’s experience to a new level. The album continues on, featuring back-to-back belters (with personal favourites including ‘She’s A Star’, ‘Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)’, and ‘Interrogation’). Not only does the album comprise solely chart-toppers and setlist classics, but also hardcore fan-favourites—the perfect composure for a brilliant Definitive Best Of collection.
The orchestral version of the recently-released track ‘Love Make A Fool’ is a highlight from disc 3. Backed by a choir and orchestral company, the new tune first appeared on James’ 2023 release Be Opened by the Wonderful. A relaxing step back from other tracks on the album, the message and sound of ‘Love Make A Fool’ is the perfect track to begin closing off the album.
Ending with a slower number, ‘Hallelujah Anyhow’, the band manages effortlessly to pay homage to their over forty-year career with style and grace. With Booth’s vocals seamlessly conveying nostalgia and thankfulness, the lyrics could not be more fitting. Acting as a celebration of the lives of the band, and how grateful they are for their fans and the loved ones around them, the enthusiastic message held in the chorus (“What a life, what a life love / this one’s nearly over”) remains poignant and important: life is short, be grateful and love those around you.
James have remained a staple, not only in Manchester, but the British music scene for over four decades, and the journey which Nothing But Love takes listeners on leaves no question of why. With just under four hours of hits spanning from 1983 to present, Nothing But Love is not only a testament to the group’s success, but also their genius and timelessness. Offering nostalgia to fans of all ages, James have once again demonstrated their brilliance.
The release will be celebrated in James’ recently announced 2026 UK arena tour, with support from Doves.
Words by George Connell
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