Photo: Press
Following up an album like 2014’s The Blue Album was always going to be tough. Perfect in every way, the critically acclaimed self-titled album (nicknamed The Blue Album) by JMSN is what great music sounds like. With live instrumentation the album’s catalyst, the way it blended in and out of tracks was beautiful. With that said, while the Michigan-raised multi-instrumentalist’s new album doesn’t top its predecessor it’s not too far off either.
Creating a calming atmosphere from the moment you press play - even on songs titled ‘Fuck U’ and ‘Fuck Outta Here’ - It Is. plays like a psychedelic rhythm and blues trip complete with artwork to match. Sonically serenading listeners into what is best described as a quiet storm, the luscious backdrops compiled of heart fluttering strings (‘Power’), Caribbean-inspired drums (‘Hypnotized’), and mellow keys (‘Good Ol’ Case of the Blues’) are best heard with eyes closed and your head rolling in a Stevie Wonder-esque motion.
Offering more of a vibe than a lyrically-driven project, it’s like JMSN’s having his own jam session and you’re invited. On the funky ‘Fuck Outta Here’ you’re not really paying attention to what he’s saying until he takes it back to the days of Brick and Con Funk Shun with some repetitive chanting designed specifically for crowd participation. When all is said and done there’s no getting away from the deep groove that captures your soul and forces your neck to move back and forth.
After charming listeners with the reflective ‘Be A Man’ - on which JMSN explains that nobody’s going to do more for you than you - the song’s sequel immediately cuts in over an uplifting piano arrangement and backing vocals that hears him give a speech that focuses heavily on tough love. Sounding a little similar to the way in which Eminem spits on ‘If I Had’, taken from his multi-platinum selling The Slim Shady LP, JMSN hangs up the harmonies for a moment in favour of some poetic words of wisdom.
With various album highlights scattered throughout - one of which is the musically and lyrically addictive ‘Most of All’ - if by the end of listening to JMSN’s latest the corners of your mouth aren’t turned up then you definitely hit play on the wrong album.
Meanwhile, JMSN's upcoming shows are below. For tickets and more information, visit here.
Fri October 28 2016 - BRISTOL Small Horse
Sat October 29 2016 - LEEDS Headrow House
Sun October 30 2016 - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
Mon October 31 2016 - LONDON Jazz Cafe, London
