About this
‘Be Opened By The Wonderful’ finds James, the venerable Manchester band, inviting listeners to experience their storied catalogue anew. Celebrating 40 years together, James reworks classics and deep cuts alike with the help of a full orchestra and gospel choir. Here, familiar anthems like “Sit Down” and “Sometimes” are transformed—stripped of their original indie-rock trappings and reanimated with sweeping strings and choral harmonies. The arrangements, rich and cinematic, reveal subtleties and emotional layers that even longtime fans may not have noticed before. Far from a greatest hits cash-in, this album is a bold act of artistic reinvention, a testament to James’ enduring creative spirit and their willingness to challenge both themselves and their audience. It’s an album both for those who’ve sung along at festival fields and for anyone curious about the transformative power of reinterpretation. ‘Be Opened By The Wonderful’ stands as a reminder that true artistry isn’t static—it evolves, surprises, and continues to move us decades on. For collectors and devotees alike, this is a piece of James’ legacy that deserves a cherished spot on the shelf.