R&B/Review James Vickery - Hotel Lobby

James Vickery’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and passion. Born deaf in one ear due to a cholesteatoma, he nearly lost his life at age eight. A vocal coach, initially brought in to aid his speech, uncovered his remarkable talent. Vickery later shared his story in Louder, a 2021 documentary exploring his identity as a white-passing artist of South African descent.

“Hotel Lobby,” James Vickery's most recent single, is a seductive, slow-burning piece of contemporary R&B that has all the qualities that fans have grown to adore about the South London musician. Vickery creates a personal portrayal of temptation, stress, and late-night encounters with his trademark falsetto, which floats effortlessly over elegant production. It's a tune that captivates, lingers, and stays with you rather than only flirting.

“Hotel Lobby” envelops you in its velvety textures from the very first note. Vickery's expressive vocals are perfectly complemented by the understated yet powerful soundtrack, which consists of warm basslines, sharp percussion, and delicate synths. His gentle yet forceful vocal perfectly conveys the track's vibe of quiet confidence and vulnerability.

“Hotel Lobby's” lyrics draw from the narrative style that has established Vickery as one of the most promising R&B singers in the UK. A transient yet unforgettable moment caught in time, it's a snapshot of desire. His delivery of each word has a subtle beauty that elevates what could have been a lighthearted encounter into something more profound and dramatic.

“Hotel Lobby” stands out as an early example of Vickery's developing sound. It's contemporary yet grounded in the traditional R&B style, polished yet unpolished—a demonstration of his capacity to emotionally connect the past and present. This song serves as a powerful reminder that James Vickery is a name to keep an eye on, regardless of whether you're already a fan or are just learning about him.