‘Palm Dreams’ a step in the right direction for James Reid

James Reid sings a gorgeous duet with Nadine Lustre.

James Reid has often acquiesced to the demands of his professional (and personal) partnership with Nadine Lustre—a perfunctory compliance that has catapulted the “JaDine” tandem to the big leagues.

As a solo performer-cum-recording artist, however, the former “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash” grand winner refuses to “coast” along with merely affable tunes.

Instead, James marches to the beat of his own drum by stubbornly subverting expectations about what his “sound” should be—as the tunes in his first two albums, 2013’s “James Reid” and 2015’s “Reid Alert,” assert.

His pop songs may have initially navigated familiar territory, but they have since gradually “diversified” into an inventive hybrid of pop that effectively integrates electronic music, funk and soulful R&B, and makes skillful use of James’ honey-coated vocals in sassy, slow-burning tunes (“The Life” and album-opener “Turning Up”) in his third album, “Palm Dreams.” The tracks sound more “delectable” and appealing upon repeated spins.

The growth that the 24-year-old heartthrob evinces in his latest collection finds James exploring—and digging deep—into a genre that’s a snug fit for his malleable pipes, which require more heft, stability and better projection.

The lineup may not have anything catchier than his irrepressible hit single “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit,” but it nonetheless boasts stylish songs that grow on you.

And while the tracks’ melodies tend to occasionally go ’round in circles (“Forever” and the moody “Dangerous”), it’s hard not to notice the alluring harmonies and the cohesive energy that drive their edgy likability.

The album isn’t perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction for James and his evolving musicality.

If “Cool Down” and “Down Low,” two of the album’s top cuts, are guaranteed to make music lovers shimmy, his collaborations with Nadine (“IL2LU”) and his bosom buddies Sam Concepcion, King WAW (aka Bret Jackson) (“On Top”) and Kiana Valenciano (“Mean 2 U”) are similarly significant, because they demonstrate how productively the matinee idol collaborates with others.

In “On Top,” for instance, James initially shares the spotlight with the more seasoned Sam, then the duo allows the rest of the song to shine the spotlight on Bret’s remarkable but seldom-appreciated rapping ability.

The ladies likewise acquit themselves well in their respective numbers: To be honest, despite hits like “Natataranta,” “Hanap-hanap” and “Para-paraan,” Nadine has never been all that impressive in live performances, in which she’s often heard singing—enthusiastically but shakily—“over” padded vocal tracks.

But the tantalizing “IL2LU,” another gorgeous number, finds a flattering way to utilize Nadine’s high vocal register, which is carefully digitized to complement James’ R&B-flavored curlicues.

In “Mean 2 U,” James generously cedes the spotlight to guest vocalist Kiana.

Gary Valenciano’s 24-year-old daughter performs the cut’s complex melody with fascinating flair and, by proficiently channeling her dad’s celebrated showmanship and note-scaling skills, she proves that she is truly her father’s daughter.