James Marriott has officially announced his third studio album, titled Warning Signs. The revelation came during a high-energy, sold-out headline performance at the O2 Academy Brixton last night. This upcoming release marks a significant step for the Brighton-based artist, known for his evolution from YouTube personality to a charting pop-rock musician.
From YouTube to Chart-Topper: The James Marriott Journey
Marriott first entered the music scene in 2020, launching his debut single after spending four years on YouTube. Initially, his online content involved parodies of other YouTubers’ music. His transition to original music saw the release of his debut album, Are We There Yet?, in 2023. He followed this success with his second album, Don’t Tell The Dog, which climbed to the top of the UK charts in 2025, solidifying his position as a notable artist in the contemporary music landscape.
The Philosophy Behind ‘Warning Signs’: Moment-Based Songwriting
Central to the creation of Warning Signs is Marriott’s unique approach to songwriting, which he terms “moment-based.” This method focuses on identifying and cultivating those specific, often brief, seconds within a song that imbue it with a powerful sense of completion or elevate its overall impact. Marriott explained that for a song to truly resonate with him, there must be a distinct point where he feels an undeniable sense of excitement and admiration.
“For a song to latch into my head, there has to be a moment where I think, ‘Oh yeah, this is amazing,’” Marriott stated. “I can pick out something in every track on the record that gives me that feeling.” This intentional focus on impactful sonic moments suggests an album designed to deliver memorable hooks and emotionally resonant passages.
A Year of Global Touring Informs the New Album
The period leading up to the creation of Warning Signs was marked by extensive touring. Following the success of Don’t Tell The Dog, Marriott embarked on a global journey, performing at major festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Lollapalooza, and Electric Picnic. His touring schedule also included headline dates across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and Australia. This immersive year of live performance and travel undoubtedly provided a rich tapestry of experiences that likely influenced the themes and sounds present in the new album.
Sonic Influences and the ‘Anti-Pop’ Sound
Marriott has cited a diverse range of artists as influences for Warning Signs, including Magdalena Bay, Slayyyter, Charli XCX, Underscores, Harry Styles, and Dua Lipa. This eclectic mix hints at a sound that is both contemporary and experimental. The artist himself describes the album’s sonic direction as “anti-pop.” This label suggests a deliberate departure from conventional pop music structures and aesthetics, likely incorporating elements of experimentation, genre-blending, and a more unconventional approach to production and lyrical content.
‘Warning Signs’ Tracklist and Release Details
The forthcoming album, Warning Signs, is set to feature the following tracklist:
- Sleepwalker
- Double Bed
- Kiss
- Lovestruck
- Burn Down The Disco
- Déjà Vu
- Madeline
- Come Back To Me
- Lights Out
- Hell
- Five Year Plan
Warning Signs is scheduled for release on January 15th, distributed via AWAL. Fans can anticipate a collection of songs that embody Marriott’s refined songwriting process and his adventurous approach to pop music, shaped by a year of global performance and diverse artistic inspirations.
