Single Review: James Williamson And Maia – Sickkk

James Williamson should need no introduction, he played guitar on the legendary Raw Power album by Iggy And The Stooges, as well as recording subsequent albums with Iggy Pop and his solo material, including an album with The Careless Hearts and 2014’s Re-Licked. For this third, and final, single of 2016 the guitar legend has teamed up with a talented nineteen year old singer songwriter Maia. James Williamson has previously released two singles this year, these saw him team up with Petra Haden and The Bellrays’ vocalist Lisa Kekuala, this latest release see’s him unleash the third and final installment of new material for 2016, which completes an impressive and varied trio of singles. 

James Williamson and Maia have recorded a lead track, Sickkk, that features a classic James Williamson riff, it carries a undeniably rock ‘n roll quality that just hooks you straight into the single, couple this with Maia‘s soulful vocals and you have a winning combination. The flip side features I Made A Mistake, this carries a slightly more laid back feel than the title track, whilst it doesn’t carry the same immediacy as the a side, it has the same energy that you’d expect from a record produced by the legendary guitarist.

James Williamson has produced a triumvirate of singles, each with a different quality that’s tailored to the vocalist he’s collaborated with, in my opinion he’s saved the best for last with this single that introduces us to the vocal and songwriting talents of Maia. Given that three of the founder members of The Stooges have passed away, and the somewhat lacklustre nature of the last few Iggy Pop albums, this single means that James Williamson has become the standard bearer for the legacy of The Stooges.

You can order the digital single of Sickkk here and the vinyl 45 single can be ordered here