James Bay Drops ‘Oh My Messy Mind’ EP Featuring “Peer Pressure”

Mike Wass | May 13, 2019 6:06 pm
James & Julia's 'Peer Pressure' Video
James Bay and Julia Michaels drop a suitably intimate video for 'Peer Pressure.'

James Bay surprised fans by rolling out a new EP on Friday (May 10). Oh My Messy Mind contains the rocker’s hit collaboration with Julia Michaels, “Peer Pressure,” as well as three new tracks. Of those, it looks like “Bad” is the focus single. Which makes sense, given that the breakup anthem is almost painfully relatable. “I know it hurts that we don’t touch anymore,” he croons in the opening verse over bare-bones production. “It’s even worse because we built this from the floor.” That leads us to the brutal chorus: “I want you bad, but it’s done.”

As much as I like “Bad” (and I like it a lot), my favorite song on Oh My Messy Mind is “Rescue.” Produced by Ariel Rechtshaid, the soulful track is about complicated, all-consuming love. “They say the more you love, the harder you fall, but I would rather hurt than nothing at all,” James sings on the chorus. “Through the good, through the bad, through the lonely — I always rescue you, you always rescue me.” It reminds me (sonically, at least) of “Hold Back The River,” which is obviously a good thing.

The EP winds up with the loved-up and lovely “Break My Heart Right.” If Oh My Messy Mind is any indication of what’s in store for the Brit’s third LP, we’re in for something very special. Stream the full EP below.

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