Jade Bird. A name you might not have heard of just yet. BUT, you sure will soon. Jade is a rising star who is currently dominating the London music scene. With gigs lined up around the country, and a new EP titled Something American to grace your ears; this girl’s pop folk vocals will melt your hardened 21st century hearts.
Title track “Something American” is a glorious listen. The soothingly sensual country vocals of our rising star carry the song’s typically folky beats. A song that gives you chills as well as amplifying your appreciation for new, and right now possibly unheard music to the masses.
The next song is called “Cathedral“. This one is a lot more pop. It truly does contain popping drum beats and fast-moving lyrics that encapsulate the mind of music lovers. I can imagine that this song would be an incredible listen in a live setting. A real toe-tapping track with what I believe has incredibly successful commercial potential.
“What Am I Here For” is my absolute favourite on the EP. It’s echo production effects and extraordinary simple guitar strumming is literally perfection to the ears. Jade Bird really does have an almighty powerful voice that wraps around each song ever so brilliantly. This song ends ever so elegantly, with a slow and steady piano instrumental that leads us magnificently into the next song.
“Madeline” is epically similar to Ed Sheeran’s style. Short and spirally lyrics collide with fast moving guitar fingers that shoot into the soul. This track is massively stripped back. It shows off Jade’s vocals to another level.
It is a faultlessly intimate song that desperately needs to be listened to. Whether you’re getting ready for a night out, travelling to work, or perhaps you’re sitting outside in a beer garden with zero entertainment. Listen to this track and listen to it loud. You won’t regret it.
The penultimate track on the short but miraculously sweet EP is “Good Woman“. An upbeat country classic with a rock edge that allows you to dance, sing and step into the world of everything Jade bird. This one almost reminds me of Harry Styles’ track “Kiwi”.
It has the same fast, one level melody that sends the mind into overdrive, making you want to shout into the sky and jump up and down uncontrollably. So, I guess what I’m saying is, is this young lady a female version of Styles and Sheeran? Take a listen and see what you think…
The final song on the EP is “Grinnin’ In Your Face“. To start with, what a brilliant choice of name for a song title. I mean, who doesn’t want to be grinning like a Cheshire cat? An acapella start with clapping hand beats kick us off. “don’t you mind people grinning in your face“, are the repeated earworm lyrics that grip you from the very start.
Just as you think you’ve figured out Jade’s vocal range, she throws in a crackled shimmering rocky vocal that completely throws you off guard. It’ll make your eyes widen with shock and surprise as you settle into the perfect country sounding acoustic excellence. The only issue I have with this song, is that it’s far too short. I need more!
What I’ve learned from listening to this EP, is that there are so many undiscovered artists in the pipeline, making their way up through the ranks of the music industry. Everyone must start somewhere. Whether you’re a busker, a pub singer or you have your own band at school, you’ve got to go for it and not let that talent go to waste.
And that, is exactly what Jade Bird is doing. She’s following her passion and producing musical masterpieces. If you haven’t heard of Jade Bird yet, well, after this EP… I’m certain her name will be one you won’t forget. Out now via Glassnote Entertainment, you can stream or purchase Jade Bird’s Something American here.
Words by Stephanie Penman
