James the Seventh ‘Shame’ Review: From Ballet Dancer to Alt-Rock Star

From Center Stage to Studio: James the Seventh Unpacks the Weight of ‘Shame’

The journey from a pre-professional ballet dancer to a rising alternative rock powerhouse isn’t a typical path, but for Philadelphia-based artist James the Seventh, it was the only way forward. After a career-ending injury in 2020 left her unable to walk for a year, a gift from her father—a guitar—sparked a creative fire that has culminated in her latest explosive single, “Shame.”

Released in late December 2025, “Shame” marks a definitive pivot in James the Seventh’s sound, moving away from her dream-pop roots toward a grittier, alt-rock edge that demands to be heard.

A New Sonic Chapter: The Evolution of James the Seventh

Since her debut in 2021, James the Seventh (born Bethany Latham) has been known for blending airy, ethereal vocals with haunting melodies. However, her recent work, including the 2025 EP Trauma Olympics, shows an artist leaning into her “angst era.”

“Shame” is the pinnacle of this evolution. It’s a track that feels both intimate and confrontational, utilizing:

• Raw Alt-Rock Energy: Driving basslines and sharp guitar riffs that mirror the frustration of the lyrics.

• Introspective Lyricism: James continues to explore the “inner voice,” tackling themes of social anxiety, second-hand embarrassment, and the “trauma olympics” of modern life.

• Experimental Production: As a self-taught producer, she isn’t afraid to let her music sound “weird,” often collaborating with producer Oren Yoel to push her vocal delivery into new, fearless territory.

The Story Behind the Name and the Artist

The moniker “James the Seventh” isn’t just a stage name; it’s a nod to her family heritage. Her father is the sixth in a direct line of “Jameses,” and in a beautiful twist of fate, he was the one who handed her the tool that saved her life during her recovery.

“I think the hardest part is just getting yourself to sit down and be okay with constantly feeling frustrated… until, eventually, it clicks,” James shared in a recent interview.

That resilience, forged in the discipline of the ballet world and the isolation of injury, is what makes her music so resonant. She has traded the physical perfection of dance for the emotional honesty of rock and roll.

Why ‘Shame’ is the Anthem We Need Right Now

In an era of curated social media perfection, “Shame” feels like a breath of fresh air—or perhaps a much-needed scream. The lyrics “You are my second-hand embarrassment… have you had enough?” cut through the noise, addressing the awkwardness of human interaction and the desire to retract the things we say when we finally decide to be honest.

It’s a song for the introverts, the overthinkers, and anyone who has ever felt “unsexy” or “out of line.” It’s raw, it’s nostalgic, and it’s undeniably James.

Quick Stats: James the Seventh

Stream “Shame” now on Spotify and Apple Music.