Music discovery · Influence explorer

Artists like James Arthur — and the music that made them

Pop Soul · 2012-present

Soul-stirring voice delivering raw emotion through contemporary pop ballads

James Arthur is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame winning The X Factor UK in 2012, captivating audiences with his distinctive raspy voice and vulnerable songwriting. His ability to blend pop, rock, and R&B elements while tackling themes of mental health and personal struggle has made him one of the UK's most emotionally resonant artists.

Essential tracks

►Say You Won't Let Go

►Impossible

►Naked

Did you know

He was homeless and busking on the streets before his X Factor audition

His debut single 'Impossible' became the fastest-selling X Factor winner's single ever at the time

He has matching tattoos with Ed Sheeran from their early days performing together

“Gravelly vulnerability meets soaring melodies in emotionally raw pop anthems.”

generations
of influence

Influence tree

Trace James Arthur's roots back through history

Every sound has a source. Click any node to hear the connection.

James Arthur

2012-present

Ed Sheeran

2011-present

cited

Eminem

1996-present

cited

John Mayer

2001-present

sonic

Jeff Buckley

1990-1997

sonic

Lauryn Hill

1993-present

sonic

Nirvana

1987-1994

cited

Otis Redding

1960-1967

movement

Bob Dylan

1961-present

movement

↑ Click any influence node to see the connection and where to start listening.

What makes the sound

Sonic elements

Gravelly, emotive vocals

Piano-driven ballads

Contemporary R&B production

Confessional lyricism

Start with these tracks

Impossible

Say You Won't Let Go

Naked

Recovery

If you like James Arthur, try these

Lewis Capaldi

Scottish singer-songwriter with similar emotional vulnerability and powerful vocals.

2010s · Pop Soul

Rag'n'Bone Man

Deep, soulful voice delivering heartfelt ballads with pop sensibility.

2010s · Blue-Eyed Soul

Tom Walker

Raspy vocals and confessional songwriting style mirror Arthur's approach.

2010s · Pop Rock

Labrinth

Combines soulful vocals with contemporary production and emotional depth.

2010s · Alternative R&B

George Ezra

British singer-songwriter with distinctive voice and melodic pop sensibilities.

2010s · Indie Pop

Calum Scott

2010s · Pop Soul

About this page

Music like James Arthur — James Arthur is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame winning The X Factor UK in 2012, captivating audiences with his distinctive raspy voice and vulnerable songwriting. His ability to blend pop, rock, and R&B elements while tackling themes of mental health and personal struggle has made him one of the UK's most emotionally resonant artists.

Artists like James Arthur today include Lewis Capaldi, Rag'n'Bone Man, Tom Walker, Labrinth. If you enjoy James Arthur, these artists share similar sonic qualities, influences, and emotional range.

Bands like James Arthur and songs like James Arthur are among the most searched music discovery queries — rootz.guru goes deeper by tracing the roots of the sound itself, not just surface-level similarity.