Emily James shares delicate new song + video “Uncommon Sense”
January 16, 2026 BY Emma Orland
Today, after closing out 2025 with a beautiful collaboration with labelmates amistat on “goodbye,” New York-based singer-songwriter Emily James kicks off 2026 with her latest single, “Uncommon Sense,” which summons her signature blend of introspection and relatability over a swelling arrangement. Written about the experience of losing yourself in another as a form of escapism, Emily approaches her avoidance with cognizance, yet chases it anyway.
“I wrote this song in the depths of my first winter back in New York,” Emily explains. “It’s sad, but in a sort of self-aware way. You’re acknowledging that you’re running towards a romantic connection as a means of running away from your feelings and hoping the euphoria of that will be enough to resolve everything you’re battling.”
WATCH & SHARE EMILY JAMES “UNCOMMON SENSE”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uiQgVD0j9I
“Uncommon Sense” follows the release of her coming-of-age concept EP, Summer Nostalgia, which tells a story of adolescence and young love; the formative years that sometimes seem trivial, but in reality, they leave a lasting impression on the rest of our lives. Ladygunn noted the project captured “the essence of youthful innocence and the bittersweet nature of first love,” while PopDust praised the way Emily blended “folk-pop sensibilities with cinematic flair.” Released in 2025, Summer Nostalgia arrived amidst a banner year for Emily, marked by syncs in the Netflix original series Ginny & Georgia and a slew of North American tours with Midnight Til Morning, Donovan Woods, Amistat, and Joshua Radin.
Throughout her career, Emily has found ways to connect to the very essence of what makes us human. Songs like “Brooklyn” and “Cannonball” capture the euphoric feeling of adventure and new love, while “London” and “Song for Bryan” tackle the nuances of heartbreak. In 2024’s double EP, The aLtErNaTeS Part 1 and 2, Emily began exploring the deep complexities of what it means to be in love and the healing journey that comes after loss. Her songwriting took on a larger life of its own as she continued to blossom into one of today’s most honest storytellers. Summer Nostalgia feels like a continuation of that growth, catapulting Emily into a world-building artist in her own right.
EMILY JAMES IN THE PRESS
“…Could she be the next Taylor Swift? We wouldn’t be surprised…”
– American Songwriter
“The lyrics beautifully capture the essence of youthful innocence and the bittersweet nature of first love.”
– LADYGUNN
“Singer-songwriter Emily James knows a thing or two about crafting the perfect emotional tune—This gal’s got a knack for channeling her irl heartbreak into the realest, rawest music.”
– Girl’s Life Magazine
“Vulnerability and heartbreak are two emotions that teenagers are all too familiar with… singer-songwriter Emily James, however, turns this into her superpower… she successfully uses her own experiences to create music, helping and connecting with young audiences.”
– The Teen Magazine
“…dynamic and heartfelt…”
– Luna Collective
“Emily’s dynamic musical arrangements and thoughtful lyricism take the listener on a raw, emotive journey.”
– Outloud Culture
“…stunning voice and impactful lyricism…”
– Sweety High
