James and the Shame

James and the Shame is the stage name used by American musician and entertainer Rhett James McLaughlin of the comedy duo Rhett & Link for his solo music projects. McLaughlin's first album under the name was released in September 2022 and was titled Human Overboard. The album discussed his departure from and criticisms of Christian evangelicalism. A follow up EP, titled Nothing Left to Love, was released on November 3, 2023.

History

Rhett James McLaughlin is known for his work with comedy partner Link Neal. Together they host Good Mythical Morning, a daily comedy, talk and variety show on YouTube. They have also recorded three comedy music albums together, and written numerous comedy songs. Rhett & Link independently released Just Mail Us the Grammy in 2001, and I'm Sorry, What Was That? (Live in the Living Room) in 2005. In 2009, they released an album titled Up To This Point through DFTBA Records.

McLaughlin and Neal were both raised as Christians and previously worked as full-time missionaries while attending college. McLaughlin later expanded on his faith deconstruction and his criticisms of Christian evangelism, purity culture, and his previous and current self. On August 19, a second single titled "Where We're Going" was released, with the music video being released a day earlier. The song is a duet with his wife Jessie. The final single released was "Give a Damn", which also included an animated music video by Micah Buzan. The album was recorded at Finn-land Studios in Burbank, California with Derek Furhmann producing. The album is a country music album, with McLaughlin citing Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson as sources of inspiration.

In September 2023, McLaughlin announced on the Ear Biscuits podcast that he would be releasing an EP in November of the same year. The EP, titled Nothing Left to Love, was released on November 3, 2023.

Human Overboard

Personnel Rhett James McLaughlin – vocals, acoustic guitar Gunnar Olsen – drums, percussion Alex Strahle – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, pedal steel guitar, slide guitar, mandolin Derek Fuhrmann – bass, percussion, background vocals Jessie McLaughlin – additional vocals (tracks 5, 6, and 7) Carey Frank – organ Edan Dover – piano Dave Eggar – cello Chris Bautista – trumpet

The album was produced by McLaughlin and Fuhrmann and mixed by Fuhrmann. It was mastered by Jamie King. The strings were recorded by Timothy James King Jr. and the organ was recorded by Tally Sherwood at Tritone Recordings. The cover art was made by Greg Newbold based on photos by Anna Webber.