LIFTED

Hayden James’ response to the darkness of the COVID era was to make a record that would uplift and bring people together. The title’s a giveaway, but themes of resilience and remembering what’s important (“Hold Tight”), being true to yourself (“On Your Own”), and being there for others (“I Won’t Let You Down” with Jem Cooke) reinforce the Sydney house producer’s feel-good intentions. And then there’s the pulsing, purposely energetic music, each euphoric song designed to fill the dance floor, whether it be via the four-on-the-floor groove of “Waiting for Nothing” (featuring Yaeger), the uplifting house chords and piano stabs of “Hold Tight,” or the heavy synth and bass drops of “On Your Own,” the latter aided by Grammy-nominated producer, DJ, and mix engineer Cassian as well as Grammy-nominated vocalist Elderbrook.