Recorded at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, James' Be Opened By The Wonderful features a collection of their most beloved and rare tracks reimagined with the grandeur of a 22-piece orchestra and an eight-piece choir. Fans also get the gift of the brand-new track, "Love Make A Fool."

Tim Booth, the band's lead singer, expresses his excitement about this milestone, stating, "Life begins at 40. For our midlife euphoria, we recorded a double orchestral album of some of our deepest cuts." This release is a true celebration of their musical journey and a chance for fans to experience their beloved songs in a fresh and enchanting way.

Be Opened By The Wonderful offers a generous tracklist, with the CD version boasting 20 tracks and the vinyl version featuring 19. Each song has been meticulously arranged and conducted by Joe Duddell, adding a rich and cinematic quality to James' songs. The recording sessions took place last year at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, with the collaboration of ORCA22 and Manchester Inspirational Voices, further enhancing the grandeur of the orchestral arrangements.

Since their formation in 1982, James have enjoyed immense popularity throughout the 1990s, achieving four top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart and nine top 10 albums on the UK Albums Chart. Their music has resonated with audiences worldwide, with standout singles like "Come Home," "Sit Down," "She's A Star," and "Laid," which became a favorite on American college radio. Following a brief hiatus after lead singer Tim Booth's departure in 2001, the band reunited in 2007 and has since released seven albums.

With over 25 million albums sold globally, James have left an indelible mark on the music world. Be Opened By The Wonderful serves as a testament to their enduring legacy, offering fans a fresh perspective on their cherished catalog. This orchestral endeavor showcases the band's evolution and reaffirms their position as one of the most influential and beloved acts in British alternative rock history.