Seven

With SEVEN, James, with the help of producers Youth and Steve "Barney" Chase, finally hit their recorded stride. Arguably one of the UK's most exciting live acts, the Manchester group produced some of the great British pop of the '90s.

For a guy who started out in the band as a dancer, the shamanic Tim Booth has a great vocal range, which he uses to full effect here. Never a band to pass up a singalong chorus or the occasional "Mama wooo!" James' beguiling songs are eminently catchy. Diving in with the danceable "Born of Frustration," other standout tracks include the antiwar "Mother," the ode to a beautiful film star "Next Lover," and the spiritual "Heavens." You don't need a shrink or an exorcist--an hour with James will sooth the most troubled soul.