In a recent interview with Jacob, he said something like “I make music using all of my musical instincts - good and bad.” I think the Djesse project reflects that. There’s a lot of good, even great, but there’s also several tracks that I’ll likely never revisit. Although I don’t enjoy all of it, I applaud Jacob for staying true to himself and making his music from an authentic place, which is rare in today’s industry.
I cannot say that Every song in the complete Djesse cycle is a masterpiece, but somehow Djesse 4 is a more consistent album for me because of its embracing of so many diverse genres, which obviously touch that extremely trademark inquisitiveness that is possessed of Jacob Collier. I adored the In My Room Album. Some of the most favourite tracks throughout the Djesse series are his collaborations with favourite artists, like Take 6, The Aeolians of 2018, Tori Kelly, and others. I love his simple songs with both minimalist harmonies and his seismic choral epics. I love what he does to manipulate the mood of listeners with fluctuating between temperaments and not just the keys dictated on the piano keyboard. Lyrically, many of his original songs appear to be descriptive of moods and painterly in texture, like Little Blue, In the Real Early Morning. Overall, i love this album, finding A Rock Somewhere cinematic❤ and even some from genres i rarely listen to entertaing.
Interesting perspective to be honest. This album to me really showed his growth as a musician. He's definitely moving away from his IMR and IHarmU era, but I'm very interested to see where he goes. My brother noted that this album was the most accessible until the last 2 songs. He defintely completed what he set out to with the experiment he set out 6years ago. Djesse vol 4 has been one of my favourite of his albums behind In My Room, with She Put Sunshine, BOS2 ,100K, WOW as my favourite tracks on the album.
I think your review is fair and accurate. As someone else who appreciates his masterful musical skills, I think of his music like fireworks, which are spectacularly enjoyable, but you don't necessarily want to see them every night. After a while, you become numb to it all. I'm very much looking forward to his future works, when he may choose to be a bit more focused in his expressions. Even if he doesn't, I'll still appreciate and admire his oeuvre.
The sign of good art, in my view, is that it raises more questions than it answers. Good art needs to make the viewer/listener feel something. The something, again, in my view, is wholly self-defined. In that context, What I hear from you, Matt is that Jacob is a great artist, and I totally agree. Matt, your review has generated a discussion because it is considered thoughtful and takes a position but has balance. Excellent review. Well done.
Djesse 2 is my favorite album of his. Four has insane production again, but I am still waiting for Jacob to actually tell me anything he has to say. He loves playing around, but he has been doing that for a long while now. I am waiting for something else to happen, something with more weight behind it. Maybe it will never come.
I was talking to my daughter about this Jacob Collier paradox yesterday! Jacob's absolute unpredictability and total command of his music, makes it reach unmatched levels of beauty, especially in some specific projects and in his live concerts... at the same time, I don't feel like listening to his records!
Interesting perspective. I actually came away from the album thinking it was album of the year material. And of the Djesse albums, I'd say it's actually the most cohesive, but primarily because it's sort of like a Djesse retrospective.
I almost agree. I also think Wellll grates on me. But, Bach doesn't do it for me many times, but I always appreciate the skill. I think Jacob will be looked at in decades years time, if not centuries because this music isn't necessarily going to make on radio, but it goes beyond our expectations and is done with a particular philosophy and incredible skill.
The first sentence is where any review on him could stop. I’m so happy about that one artist on this planet who is not limiting himself with any of the snobby views on any genre or musical experience. I hope he never ever starts pleasing critics. Beautiful unrefined journey he’s going through. However reviewers will do what they do and that’s also fine👌I belong to those who absolutely love the vol4, cannot wait for my vinyl to arrive.
X2, it's just something that most artist won't dare to do. Not that those have to be undermined by that, but that it just deepens my appreciation to JC
No one is above critique, but he's obviously a great musical mind. My main hang-up about him is that an album like this can sound like way too much, like someone making music for a school project they had months to complete, but spent most of it noodling until the last minute because they knew that they had the chops to impress the teacher anyway. Willow's metal vocals felt like the most random thing in the world and wasn't even memorable in a good way to me. This is coming from an Opeth fan. I had the thought through other day to just go over his discography and separate the tracks into my own cohesive playlist, but I don't know if it's a good thing that I would have to resort to that for someone who's clearly gifted. He's definitely living his philosophy of doing whatever he can get away with musically, but that's not always a good thing when you're not actually getting away with it to some listeners who aren't distracted by the nice chord voicings in front of the 100+ tracks in the mix. I don't think it's snobby to at least expect a direction for an album that wants to be remembered. None his work has yet to stick with me entirely like Frank Ocean's or Radiohead's work.
Yeah his terrible music is actually good because critics dont like it. U weirdo fanboys could listen to jacob farting into a megaphone and be like wow thats so deep… hes expressing his genius critics will never understand
He is undoubtedly one of the greatest musical minds that's ever lived. I also think that his mind works so fast, that it would take an equally fast mind to truly appreciate all that he does. In that sense he is an absolute pioneer, and is destined to live in a world of his own that only a few can appreciate to the full extent, like most geniuses. But you did mention "in the real early morning", which for me is one of the best songs ever written, and I've probably listened to it over 100 times. And every time it cuts me to the bone. So he does have the ability to create music that will speak to the masses. Honestly you've voiced a lot of my own feelings about JC, but I do think his music has staying power, and from the looks of it he has only begun his undoubtedly life long journey as an incredible composer/musician.
Phew! Ok so, I’ve returned back to leave some more updated comments, regarding Jacob Collier’s new ‘Djesse Vol. 4’ music album. And upon my initial reaction to listening to the whole entire album, yep, for sure, there is so much to fully absorb and digest. And I’m not to proud to admit that, I got my original assessment completely wrong. Djesse Vol. 4, is an incredible piece of work. Jacob Collier what with all of the fantastic collaborations, unbelievable choral work, orchestrations, and an absolutely brilliant reimagining of the Simon & Garfunkel version of ‘Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water’, he’s really created a body of works that, exist on a whole next (alternative) universe. Unfortunately there are now a small number of so-called online reviewers whom have a completely different opinion to the vast majority of real music fans of Jacob’s music. And I would agree that, this kind of maximalist music is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. What I would ask of those people that, for whatever reasons, have chosen to completely diss and unnecessarily nit-pick, over analyse, this new album is, to just give it time to breathe. Perhaps return back to, it at some point in the future. Right now, I’ve most probably watched about a dozen+ reactionary videos by a various cross-section of TH-camrs, as well as, seen exactly how Jacob collaborated together with Tori Kelly, on her particular section of ‘Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water’. (Which is also on his TH-cam channel, highly recommend all of the negative reviewers to watch this) Because it really does give perspective on exactly how Jacob is able to compose the most melodic, harmonic, accappella, complex vocal arrangements, which serve to enhance and complement, the likes of Yebba and John Legend, whom also feature on this classic song. It really is an incredible reinterpretations. Truly remarkable stuff. This arrangement is pure church, gospel and blues - all interwoven into one. I’ve never heard John Legend sound like this. Tori Kelly produces some insane jazz scats and runs. Yebba is always stunning to listen to. Which brings me back full circle to my experiences of re-listening to Jacob’s new work. For sure, yes, Djesse Vol.4, can come across (on the first few listens) as being a bit of sensory overload. But that’s ok. Because there is more than a sprinkling of real magical gems here. And for all of those Jacob Collier hater’s and detractors, yes, the dude can write the most beautiful songs. It’s just that, some people cannot help but try to influence their own agenda, their own negative narrative. It’s almost like the online critics have fallen into the same repetitive trap of saying something is not good. That, something sounds bad. Purely based on the fact that they just don’t get it. And most probably never will. Which is the case here. Not that, I’m comparing Jacob to Mozart. But remember this, Mozart, died a pauper. Mainly because his music was not fully loved or appreciated at the time. As for one of Jacob’s go-to,use of Logic Pro software. I mean, what this music genius is capable of arranging, layering, intricately producing, playfully switch-up various time-codes, often within the same song or orchestrated piece of music - is all mind boggling stuff. And I would totally agree with something that many other TH-camrs have said, “Jacob Collier is an Alien!” Not only can is Jacob a great multi-instrumentalist. But also what his Djesse Vol. 1-4, reflects is a music artist’s and composer who’s at the very top of his game. And yes, you can hear gospel, jazz fusion, funk, pop, classical, folk music within quadrilody of albums. Compiling, arranging, composing over 50+ songs. There so many wonderful highlights. Jacob Collier is also an amazing live concert performer. But just because critics and some people listening cannot properly pigeonhole him, or define his style of music. Does not mean that it’s not good. Because it really is. There are several testimonies from other great music artists and composers such as, Hans Zimmer, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, whom have also given Jacob high praise, with what he’s capable of doing. And yep, it be really exciting to see the what and the where, where Jacob chooses to go next. And hopefully in the future, apart from all of the live gigs that he’s got lined up until 2025. Jacob will create some smaller, stripped back songs. And will continue to collaborate, with other like minded great musicians and singers.
I think he defines himself as a ‘sound architect’, and that makes perfect sense to me. It’s the construction and building blocks of music where his primary focus is. At this moment. Now that Djesse is done, who knows where he’ll go, but I’m along for the ride.
I loved what you said. I too kinda feel that the early albums were the most 'jacobean' and then as we went on forward they kinda lost that "inner intimacy" in favour of a more collaborative participation. But that doesn't diminish him for me, the guy is experimenting, he is finding himself; pushing all the buttons to see what he gets in return. it's just who he is and why he's fascinating to me. I can only imagine what he will be able to do 10 years from now. ( he also stated that his career starts now. after Djesse )
I love Jacob and enjoy getting lost in his world of music. His music can, and does move me to tears. That said, the intensity of his music means there are also times when I can't bear to listen to his music. His music is not the sort you can have on in the background, it is music designed for intensional listening. All that said, Jacob is starting to produce more accessible music and tracks like Little Blue and Witness Me will appeal to a wider audience. Some of the arrangements are starting to be a bit more stripped back to. His live versions of Little Blue and Witness Me are simply outstanding.
You make some good points. The albums definitely appeal to a VERY small target audience that enjoys basically EVERY style of music. That said, the whole point of the Jesse series (and the reason it’s 4 volumes instead of just 4 separate albums) was specifically to explore as many musical styles and genres as possible, which he pretty clearly accomplished. I have started listening to new styles of music that I probably never would have explored if not for the Jesse albums, I’m sure I’m not the only one and that is a beautiful thing. Lastly, while Jacob is known for mashing up genres in all kinds of ways, I think his goals with Jesse led to him prioritizing something different over something great in many cases. I am excited to see that he does now that those other goals are gone and he is free to use everything he learned over the last 6 years without constraint.
Identity is a great way to put it. When I find something reminds me of the early works on album 4 I get that much more excited than sitting through experiments I am not the target audience for, sitting there impressed like watching a talent show. Summer rain demonstrated to me a maturity with his vocal ability… so assured and technical but also casual and expressive.
Has anyone read or listened to This is What it Sounds Like by Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas? It is a fascinating look at why we like the music we do. It has music to listen to on their web site for each chapter and asks questions ... are you a head listener or a heart listener? What kind of beat appeals to you? Are lyrics the most important thing or melody? I'm not a musician but I found this riveting. It might explain why some of Jacob's songs grab us and others don't. We can "like" certain music and then there is music that feels like coming home. It just makes us weep or dance or light our hair on fire. And it's not the same for everybody.
Well i listened to some of his songs on a real High, and i can say the whole body of work of a single music of him is huge. All the harmonics working it's ways are actually incredible. So much color and richness. All the tones and subtones. So many layers to see, very intense experience. To grasp it fully, or Joyfully, i'd say it needs a high level of perception, otherwise it is just too much to gather at the same time.
Interesting analysis and I tend to agree since I was quite underwhelmed by this latest album as well. I applaud you for daring to go against the mainstream and post this. Another thing I find somewhat strange in the years like you following this phenomenon is how Jacob seems rather unphased when you see him performing with his own idols - like him singing with Take 6 for instance. He doesn't really seem moved by it other than his default positivity. Maybe it's just me being weird having imagined for so many years that I could sing with those cool cats and being pretty sure I would have a hard time staying composed experiencing that :-)
I really appreciated the thoughtfulness and restraint of your review. Expressed in the way you did, I see the validity of your comparison of this album, and all the Djesses, with In My Room. I agree that there is such a variety of styles in these songs that it will be hard to identify as strongly with this album as a whole as with those tracks within it that most appeal to each of us. I wonder, however, if it might reasonably be argued that this represents a commentary as much on the relatively limited bandwidth of the merely mortal listeners as on the apparently limitless vision, and musical and expressive capacity, that Jacob possesses. Perhaps, in his reaching out in so many directions, everyone is able to find here something that touches them in the way that I know I, you, and many others have been touched by his music and his spirit in the past few years. That said, and though I am utterly happy for Jacob to travel in whatever direction the spirit takes him, your hope that his future output might be a little narrower in focus had some resonance with me. More than anything, however, I am extraordinarily grateful to be alive at the same time as him. He has touched and moved me beyond measure and made my life better for his existence. I would be glad if anyone were minded to feel the same way about me. I wonder if you, or anyone else, shares my sense that, if humankind were required to put forward to a divine or omnipotent judge one example of the species to justify our continued existence, Jacob would be the prime candidate.
Maybe it’s a old fashioned love for “the album” as an art form, but that’s what I feel Jacob is sacrificing with his breadth. He sure is exceptional though. Thanks for sharing
@@MattOLearyMusic I see. Well that seems a perfectly reasonable way of thinking about an album and I suppose I agree that, especially if viewing the album at its best as a coherent journey, this one could be thought to fall short. Perhaps it's a sign of the times, but I don't really tend to listen to albums right through from start to finish these days and am very happy to take individual tracks at their face value, without thinking to place them in context with the rest of the album from which they came. Anyway, thanks again for your interesting and thoughtfully expressed review. I valued it and admired your ability to articulate your thoughts in a way that distinguished between your opinion of the way the album held together and of Jacob as a musician. I wish I could identify and express my thoughts so clearly.
I feel like my favorite jacob songs are similar to yours. I love his more stripped down, melodic, and emotional songs. His cover of Fix You still tears me up at times, and all his Mahogany sessions are instant re-listens. I think he is at his best when he gives himself or is himself given musical constraints to work within, because otherwise when he is left to the majority of his own devices, I find that a lot of those resultant works inflate to the point to tiresomeness. I would recommend the song, "In the wee small hours of the morning" by Saje feat. Jacob Collier, because it combines a lot of the best elements of his songwriting: interesting harmonic choices/transitions and enough negative space that can be filled in with beautiful melodic lines.
I feel that some parts of this album were extremely clustered, but trust me, after hearing it in Dolby Atmos, it all makes sense. World of world consists of a choir singing completely around and above you, which just boosts my level of enthusiasm towards this album. The ending moments of 100,000 voices is has this wild sounding moment where the song is like a scene, and before the breakdown, the stereo image flips and everything rotates around you 180 degrees, like a rotating stage would. With that, this album just makes sense when in the context of surround sound, and highly recommend it if you are able to hear it in 5.1 or higher.
Your individual track opinions fascinate me because they align very closely with my own, with the glaring exception of WELLLL, which I like somehow. Seemingly no one who has similar preferences to me in general likes it in the slightest lol
I totally get ur point! In my personal view, I would continue on your metaphor with the painting. To me a song is a painting and an album the exhibition that features it. Many exhibitions feature a certain style, mood, etc., but some feature the development of an artist through his life and show different experiments and ideas they carried through it. This album is just that and also features really unusual bits of an exhibiton. He uses a lot of different styles, song writing processes and more. For example 100.000 voices sounds like the lobby of the exhibition, but the artists also took part in designing that aswell and capture its spirit. Or Over You could be the snack area, that has an unusual feature with korean snacks mixed with british and american. That to me makes it fun as an overall experience, but of course there will be some songs that i will listen to a lot and others maybe only 10 times overall.
I'll probably get downvoted for this, but as talented as Jacob Collier might be and as good as his music may be, I just don't find his music listenable. I would never say to myself, "oh, let's pop on some jacob collier" as I would any other music that is good.
I guess the only reason to this feeling, which I cannot relate to, is because he doesn't produce mainstream songs. But I guess it's not an easy listening indeed. But some classical pieces of music, renowned, not to say the least, for example La Cathédrale Engloutie by Debussy are not an easy listening but it's definitely good music. But again, it's completely normal to not feel drawned to listen casually.
I feel the same way for a lot of the work, but there are 10 songs, or so I will jam out !!! Time and place for many others ! Love seeing the dude evolve, though, and I'm always curious about what's next.
I think that JC maybe doesn't have amazing songs, but he can put something groundbreaking in each one of them, but I share your feelings. Oh and don't forget the narrative of the 4 volumes: he's traveling the whole world so the changes in genres and styles reflect that.
as a fan of jacobs since the In My Room days, I feel the same. Sad to say Djessy 4 easily has the most misses out of his albums, to the point that after listening to it all the way trough I really don't feel like returning to half the album.
I totally appreciate your well-thought out and perfectly articulated comments in general, I always enjoy your videos becasue of that. You've turned me on to some fantastic artists that I woudn't have known otherwise, so I thank you for that! On this one though, I have a completely opposite opinion. Jacob's music hits me emotionally more than almost any other artist I've ever heard. In fact, that's what makes me so astounded by his work. I joined this "cult" (LOL) after I stumbled upon him here on TH-cam only a few weeks ago, and at this point, I crave listening...it's almost an emoptional rush or high I get from him. Hard to explain. I'm an amateur, long-time musician (guitarist), and maybe I know just enough about music that I see all the rules he's breaking or something. I've always loved preogressive rock and jazz (among other genres), so I enjoy all the complex harmonies, dissonance, key and time signature changes...it's like a snunami of rich textures and sound. Not sure what it is, there's probably a pyschological explanation for it. This new album is his best, for me. There's something cathartic and inspiring about watching someone who's able to pour out his full imagination for us all to see and hear.
Glad you’re loving it. Definitely some absolutely stunners on here, as usual from Jacob. I definitely recommend giving his first album some time, and the band Dirty Loops if you haven’t yet. And THANKS!! 🙏
Glad this exists to prove that someone can make a critical review of Jacob's music which is fair and balanced and without any ignorance or arrogance, because if you watched the other Djesse 4 reviews on TH-cam you'd think otherwise!
The Djesse series feels so me like something you show to someone who wants to speedrun as many musical genres as possible. It takes you from home, all around the world, and back again. I love almost every second of it (I’m aroace, so I don’t relate to volume 3 at all), but I can always appreciate the opinion on Djesse of: “I like some parts, but some songs just aren’t my thing.” To an extent, that’s kinda the point
Great analysis. I love his passion for music, and In My Room and Djesse vol 2 (sometimes vol. 3) are some of the best music I've ever heard. But vol.4 really made me feel... disappointed. Expected more from the interviews, the snippets, the marketing. The worst in the album is Jacob's worst (wich is still good, but has no heart at all). The best of vol.4 is still miles away from his great achievements. Next hope he can focus better on the next album!
This is my favourite album by Jacob so far! I enjoy almost every track immensely! If I was to say a least favourite track it would be Box of Stars Pt 1, which I still find intriguing.
Thanks for this thoughtful analysis. Regrettably, I agree with your assessment overall. Thankfully, I have no doubt our beloved Jacob will remain grounded in that boundlessly joyous spirit we all resonate with, and I have hope that it will lead to more relatable (simpler?) music.
Really appreciated this review. I think you nailed your description of Jacob... A genius musician, but hasn't yet crafted songs that can start the test of time. Personally i think this is my favorite album of his.
Jacob Collier has bionic hearing and is one of the most brilliant arrangers/orchestrators I've ever heard. But he can't song write his way out of a paper bag.
Jacob makes it very clear that he is not trying to write accessible songs. As he said with his arrangement of BOTW, he sometimes feels like he's painting. We accept that visual artists can and should do their own thing and not try to be accessible. I think we should do the same for artists who work with sound. I think the BOTW cover is a masterpiece. I've been watching singing teachers on TH-cam brought to tears by it, as I was.
I agree with the sentiment. 100,000 voices would have been a perfectly good song with just the main section, and the intro and outro as interludes on separate tracks. She Put Sunshine could have been a good song with a more consistent beat. A Rock Somewhere has a nice melody but feels over-produced. Over You is just over the top, doesn’t really fit with Chris Martins voice. Box of Stars pt. 1, I get that hip hop is down with the kids, but was a rap battle really what all of this was building up to? And I like the idea of pt. 2, but again, it’s more a montage of sections than a wholesome song. And yes, Little Blue is probably the most wholesome song from all 4 volumes!
100 % agree with this perspective. As a whole, many songs on this album were harsh to listen to, but some were still quite nice. That doesn’t take away from Jacob Colliers talent, but it seems like his voice / skills are more suited to the in my room stuff and a folkier genre. Just seems like he’s been forcing stuff, especially on Djesse vol 3 and especially especially on vol 4. It’s cool that he’s trying extreme style changes and probably learning a lot from them, but that doesn’t make them effective by their own merit.
The thing is that Collier is a fantastic creative because he doesn't seem to have an ego that would make him second guess creating. It simply doesn't seem to exist. If he were forced to collaborate with a box, a five year old and an A list celebrity he would likely be as enthusiastic about all three ideas in equal measure. Rainbow coloured crocs. Clothing that he clearly found in charity shops and was overjoyed to have and overjoyed to give it to someone else later to see them happy. 'Jacob, you have a concert in five minutes in the basement of a small pub in front of twenty people.' 'Jacob, you're performing at the 02.' Thumbs up and a grin at either. I remember reading in the comment section of 'Little Blue' that the song helped someone cope with the loss of their infant daughter. You can't weigh that against views, fans or finances. It's the reason we create.
I agree, I get that maximalist is his thing, but some restraint and focus may produce less work, but it's so frustrating that with many artists short of ideas to explore. he has too many..
Pretty interesting dichotomy here. I wonder if there are traits that predispose you to both skill sets, and if there are examples of artists who play both roles exceptionally
It's really nice to find someone who has the same opinion when it comes to their favorite Jacob album! "In my room" is more raw and I feel like especially Djesse 4 has a lot of production/mixing/editing/computer sounds... etc. To me Jacob's very intuitive and honest musicality can be heard best when he plays real instruments and uses his real voice (with little to no autotune). That's why I really like "Little Blue" or a lot of tracks from Djesse Vol.2. I still admire all the crazy and outstanding stuff he did on Vol.4 and the theory behind is interesting to me. But I definitely have less immediate feelings and I get goosebumps quite rarely. When it comes to "Bridge over troubled water" I basically skip the John Legend-part and just enjoy Tori singing to the crazy harmonies, that tingle my brain!! Does anyone else do that??:D
I have been aware of him for a long time, but only very recently have I actually done a deeper study of sort, and it really is mind boggling what he is able to do. I think I've hear little blue, though in two versions, some 10 or 12 times in a row, and not for analytical reasons, just for enjoyment. It is a rare thing that I can just listen and enjoy, without focusing on the flaws, the missed opportunities and so forth, and there are flaws to be found. for one he is very young, and while brilliant, still has much to learn. This also means that he makes those errors in judgement that I actually hate the most rather a lot, and yet, it just doesn't bother me. Bridge over troubled water should be an absolute atrocity to my ears, but somehow it is not. I'm not sure exactly what my conclusion is, but as of late I have seriously considered if perhaps he is not just up there, but actually surpassing those who pretty much defined music as we know it. Not genres or instrumentation or whatnot, but the very foundation it is all built upon. Those like Mozart, who broke the rules and at a time where this really shouldn't have been possible, got away with it and effectively became immortal. There may be those whose never heard his name, but everyone have experienced his legacy, because it is everywhere. I seriously wonder if it may be the case that there has never been anyone even remotely like him. In any case I very much look forward to whatever is to come.
This review is the best one I have seen so far on the matter of Djesse vol4, the series and Collier himself. I am a little heartbroken with how I feel about vol4, because I and many people have waited so long for it. I agree that this is beautiful album, but also an insanely messy one at that. And I am a JC fan thru n thru, so if I can admit that, what is that saying? Hahaahaha
I'm only 22 and I don't follow that many active musicians so this was kind of the first time in my adult life that I was really hyped for an album. This feels really weird because making music is such a big part of my life but those are the facts. So I can't really draw comparisons to other album releases. The older Jacob Collier songs I've heard some time after the album has dropped. That being said I'm not disappointed with the album. I'd say it's my favorite Djesse Album. It I would put songs in tiers I'd say: S - Bridge over troubled water A - 100.000 Voices, Little Blue, Wellll, Summer Rain, A Rock Somewhere, World O World B - She Put Sunshine, Wherever I Go, Witness Me, Never Gonna Be Alone, Over You C - Cinnamon Crush, Box of Stars Pt. 1&2 D - Mi Corazón So it's really only one song I don't enjoy and Box of Stars Pt. 2 is on itself maybe not that awesome but I think it really adds a lot to the whole of Djesse. And Bridge over troubled water is now my second favorite song from him behind moon river. Also I'll probably sing Little Blue and Wellll in one of my choirs and World O World in another one. I'm really looking forward to that. I still agree that this is not the best Jacob can be. But that's totally ok. He even said before even starting with Djesse that only after completing these 4 albums will he be able to actually start making music. What he meant by that is that Djesse is mostly intended as an opportunity for him to learn a lot. I can't wait to see what path he will go from here on out. There are no limits to what he could do.
Well, I guess the issue is that Jacob Collier is having so many fans and listeners from totally different musical backgrounds. My absolute personal favourite is Box of Stars Part 2. I feel like going on a Journey through the universe. But my appreciation comes from, I guess, my great love for experimental electronic music. Others will like more the Pop songs on this album, others more the jazzy ones. Just depending from where they come from, and what is their regular listening experience.
When people have computer brains 500 years from now Jacob Collier will be considered the greatest musician of all time, Expressing ultimate cosmic simplicity..
No one, absolutely no one is above criticism. On any real of human endeavor. Doesn't matter if they objectively technically better at you. Humans are not flawless, and the flaws can be spotted by anyone
Some great points and discussion on the album. But when you say what you "hope comes next is restraint (or restrained?)", I couldn't disagree more. So many musicians are restrained in their creativity, but Jacob makes music in a way that is so free, and I believe that is his greatest strength, over his technical abilities. I can't wait for more hits and misses from him, but I hope it is never restrained!
I just hope Jacob continues to make whatever he fancies. He's always surprising, which also makes him exciting. He has already shown to me he can go big and small if he pleases. As a listener, I'm more intrigued in just hearing him do whatever he finds interesting.
I think this review sums up exactly how I feel about Jacob. He is a phenomenal, one-of-a-kind talent and it's clear to see he gets so much joy from all these different musical styles and collaborations, and I'm not the one to tell him to stop that. But do I think Jacob has made a brilliant album yet? I do not. Is there a Jacob album I can say I truly love? I cannot. I share your sentiments that I think he might make his best music when he actually strips things back and and actually goes for simplicity. There's that famous quote from Miles Davis "it's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play". I feel like Jacob could benefit from that - for my enjoyment at least.
Time will tell how Jacob goes down in history but you might be on to something that he may the most musical voice on the planet because his musicality is endless. So yes, he could go down in history as a leading master musician of our time like Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Kate Bush, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, the list goes on and on, Beyoncé, Eminem, Nirvana, Herbie Hancock, I prefer to say that Jacob Collier is a brilliant musical light that inspires us to reach for our greater humanity, to shoot for the moon so no matter where you land, you will be among the stars. He inspires three kids from South Africa to join him among the stars, Bikos Manna. I love him!
It's interesting. Obviously your favourite tracks are 'subjective', but you ranked them in exactly the same order I would, and I think most people would agree. I think that's the sign of a great album. I absolutely loved it personally . Every track had some really special moments for me. I think Jacob's just getting better and better. (Most noticeably as a vocalist). He's developing into a truly extraordinary emotional force.
i feel like this is the only fair review Jacob Collier got with this new album that both sees his talent (his song-writing talent, it is there trust me) and where he possibly fucked up
I really like the diversity and the incosistencies of Djesse 4. I think they represent the way we live today, which is far from being consistent. I feel like Djesse 4 is a outstandingly creative look at the madness of chaos we live in as people of the 21st century. Djesse 4 is already my favourite album of 2024. There could not come anything better...
It definitely mirrors the overstimulation and chaos of the day. It’s strange, because usually I like diverse records more than this - where each song is its own world. Anyway, glad you’re loving it
I think this was a very good prospective. In his interviews he says he just wants to keep collaborating with people. But after this album I think the best thing to do creativly is to shrink things down again. Just one guy maybe his band. Making music of a very short period of time in a small space with minimal people involved. I think it's like Marvel mcu where djesse was end game. It got very big. Now it's time to look at the smaller picture. Hone in on story telling and song writing. Anyway I'd I was jacob I was think that's where he is planning next as it's the next natural progression creativly speaking.
Cool, this is exactly how I feel too! He's a genius etc. but the songwriting is really lacking. In terms of reharms I found Bridge over Troubled Water to be a big miss - too much, every choice feels necessary. For me this is far below Moon River, which I find to be his absolute masterpiece in that exercise.
I was surprised by some of your choices, like with "WELLLLL". But I definitely agree that there is so much on these tracks that it's kinda inevitable to find something u like, but I definitely do feel like the message ends up getting watered down as a result. I love Jacob and he's been such an inspiration for me, but there are for sure moments where i have to question the borderline unnecessary choices he makes
I don't like the album as a wole but some of the songs are the best things ever, say what you will but Bridge over troubled water gives me the chills, and it's like you said, giddiness, a contagious enthusiasm. I'm kinda sick of people hating on Jacob like he's some disgusting soulless fiend.
The production chops are just not there. It lacks clarity and refinement to add all the layers to make it a truly amazing listening experience. He needs a sound engineer or co producer to really step it up. Your review is spot on. Well done
I love a lot of what he does but certainly not all but I'm glad for him to spread his net too wide. I think he'll come out of this period with more understanding of his own vision and I honestly believe we haven't seen his masterpiece yet. I remember the path Kate Bush took before she nailed her thing in Hounds of Love.
In my personal opinion, being a Composer for 3 Decades constantly thru life, He writes with his Brain finding the most awesome chordprogressions..Little genius moments and emotional explosions, but not fokussed on the journey of a SONG (dunno how to put it better)...but eventually he will be bored with this...all it needs then is some emotional rollercauster/Trauma and when we are lucky this will flow from the heart to the keys into a Song. And then it will be ... Music 10.0 ;-) OR SHORT: Collier writes for the Music and Not for a Girl*. yet. (Dunno and don`t care what sets his Heart on fire. But this way the Claim sounds most poetic, right?) (..and Quincy jones gets on the phone and calls e v e r y o n e if there is some-one who could break Jacobs Heart,,,just a little.. )
For such a talented musician, never heard a soul say “play some JC his new album was so good” 💀 like if it’s trash it’s trash stop glazing just cuz he has musical talent and potential, jacob collier is gifted 100% but he’s not a good songwriter
In a culture where art has largely been replaced by art criticism, where for any one piece of art there are thousands of people (of varying credentials) offering analysis of the worth of another’s art as if this is itself a worthwhile and creative process, we may fail to understand an artist who is making art for their own enjoyment rather than to meet the standards of art criticism. To be ‘disappointed’ that an artist isn’t producing ‘something great’ that will ‘stand the test of time’ that will be considered objectively great by generations of critics to come is to miss the point that that is not what makes great art, that is what makes marketable art. And marketing is what art criticism is about, in the end this boils down to his music not being marketable, there is no easy way to convince the masses to consume it, and so it’s not ‘good’ by the standards of the culture. Oh well, that’s not stopping Jacob from making fun music that he enjoys making.
Jacob is such a paradox. Insane genius level musical vocabulary, knowledge and virtuosity but extremely immature songwriting. It's the curse of the prodigy.
I think his worldview comes through clearly in his songwriting, and I could see how you could see it as immature. It seems thematically shallow or one dimensional.
Jacob is a once in a lifetime artist. Dont waste your time rating his stuff. its just going to diminish and put a cap on your enjoyment. Simply enjoy his process and appreciate his creative genious unfiltered, good and bad. Because we are not getting another Jacob for a few centuries
I see your point, but I find tremendous value in honest criticism - both in trying to articulate my experience and in sharing & discussing this with others. Jacob’s work inspires reflection on some foundational topics around art and aesthetics.
This is more a self reflection of you, by you, than a review of Jacob. Which is cool. Self reflection is cool. Now I know more about you. So, I guess bringing Jacob into it worked.
I think your comment "..if you're like me and after this album experience.." (7:28) is very revealling. You are a consumer. Jacob Collier's greatness is less evident in the experience of today's consumers but rather in how he has undoubtably already profoundly effected what future generations of consumers will experience.
In a recent interview with Jacob, he said something like “I make music using all of my musical instincts - good and bad.” I think the Djesse project reflects that. There’s a lot of good, even great, but there’s also several tracks that I’ll likely never revisit. Although I don’t enjoy all of it, I applaud Jacob for staying true to himself and making his music from an authentic place, which is rare in today’s industry.
Exactly, and he knows it. That's why DJesse is such a journey
Doesnt make it any less terrible
@@CreamedCorn2002 right? It is so tedious.
I like him best just playing the piano . Very interesting video and comments . Thanks.
I cannot say that Every song in the complete Djesse cycle is a masterpiece, but somehow Djesse 4 is a more consistent album for me because of its embracing of so many diverse genres, which obviously touch that extremely trademark inquisitiveness that is possessed of Jacob Collier.
I adored the In My Room Album. Some of the most favourite tracks throughout the Djesse series are his collaborations with favourite artists, like Take 6, The Aeolians of 2018, Tori Kelly, and others. I love his simple songs with both minimalist harmonies and his seismic choral epics. I love what he does to manipulate the mood of listeners with fluctuating between temperaments and not just the keys dictated on the piano keyboard.
Lyrically, many of his original songs appear to be descriptive of moods and painterly in texture, like Little Blue, In the Real Early Morning.
Overall, i love this album, finding A Rock Somewhere cinematic❤ and even some from genres i rarely listen to entertaing.
Interesting perspective to be honest. This album to me really showed his growth as a musician. He's definitely moving away from his IMR and IHarmU era, but I'm very interested to see where he goes. My brother noted that this album was the most accessible until the last 2 songs. He defintely completed what he set out to with the experiment he set out 6years ago. Djesse vol 4 has been one of my favourite of his albums behind In My Room, with She Put Sunshine, BOS2 ,100K, WOW as my favourite tracks on the album.
I think your review is fair and accurate. As someone else who appreciates his masterful musical skills, I think of his music like fireworks, which are spectacularly enjoyable, but you don't necessarily want to see them every night. After a while, you become numb to it all. I'm very much looking forward to his future works, when he may choose to be a bit more focused in his expressions. Even if he doesn't, I'll still appreciate and admire his oeuvre.
The sign of good art, in my view, is that it raises more questions than it answers. Good art needs to make the viewer/listener feel something. The something, again, in my view, is wholly self-defined. In that context, What I hear from you, Matt is that Jacob is a great artist, and I totally agree. Matt, your review has generated a discussion because it is considered thoughtful and takes a position but has balance. Excellent review. Well done.
Absolutely well said and seconded.
Love the honesty, because the criticisms are fair and reasonably-well-considerate
Your face is good art then
Djesse 2 is my favorite album of his. Four has insane production again, but I am still waiting for Jacob to actually tell me anything he has to say. He loves playing around, but he has been doing that for a long while now. I am waiting for something else to happen, something with more weight behind it. Maybe it will never come.
My favorite album he In My Room and Djesse Vol. 1. And Djesse Vol. 3
I was talking to my daughter about this Jacob Collier paradox yesterday! Jacob's absolute unpredictability and total command of his music, makes it reach unmatched levels of beauty, especially in some specific projects and in his live concerts... at the same time, I don't feel like listening to his records!
Interesting perspective. I actually came away from the album thinking it was album of the year material. And of the Djesse albums, I'd say it's actually the most cohesive, but primarily because it's sort of like a Djesse retrospective.
I almost agree. I also think Wellll grates on me. But, Bach doesn't do it for me many times, but I always appreciate the skill. I think Jacob will be looked at in decades years time, if not centuries because this music isn't necessarily going to make on radio, but it goes beyond our expectations and is done with a particular philosophy and incredible skill.
The first sentence is where any review on him could stop. I’m so happy about that one artist on this planet who is not limiting himself with any of the snobby views on any genre or musical experience. I hope he never ever starts pleasing critics. Beautiful unrefined journey he’s going through. However reviewers will do what they do and that’s also fine👌I belong to those who absolutely love the vol4, cannot wait for my vinyl to arrive.
X2, it's just something that most artist won't dare to do. Not that those have to be undermined by that, but that it just deepens my appreciation to JC
No one is above critique, but he's obviously a great musical mind. My main hang-up about him is that an album like this can sound like way too much, like someone making music for a school project they had months to complete, but spent most of it noodling until the last minute because they knew that they had the chops to impress the teacher anyway. Willow's metal vocals felt like the most random thing in the world and wasn't even memorable in a good way to me. This is coming from an Opeth fan.
I had the thought through other day to just go over his discography and separate the tracks into my own cohesive playlist, but I don't know if it's a good thing that I would have to resort to that for someone who's clearly gifted. He's definitely living his philosophy of doing whatever he can get away with musically, but that's not always a good thing when you're not actually getting away with it to some listeners who aren't distracted by the nice chord voicings in front of the 100+ tracks in the mix.
I don't think it's snobby to at least expect a direction for an album that wants to be remembered. None his work has yet to stick with me entirely like Frank Ocean's or Radiohead's work.
no one is above criticism
Yeah his terrible music is actually good because critics dont like it. U weirdo fanboys could listen to jacob farting into a megaphone and be like wow thats so deep… hes expressing his genius critics will never understand
He is undoubtedly one of the greatest musical minds that's ever lived. I also think that his mind works so fast, that it would take an equally fast mind to truly appreciate all that he does. In that sense he is an absolute pioneer, and is destined to live in a world of his own that only a few can appreciate to the full extent, like most geniuses.
But you did mention "in the real early morning", which for me is one of the best songs ever written, and I've probably listened to it over 100 times. And every time it cuts me to the bone. So he does have the ability to create music that will speak to the masses.
Honestly you've voiced a lot of my own feelings about JC, but I do think his music has staying power, and from the looks of it he has only begun his undoubtedly life long journey as an incredible composer/musician.
In The Real Early Morning is one of my favorite songs of his, and of all time, I'd have to say.
Undoubtedly?
@@Robin-399 Yes.
Phew! Ok so, I’ve returned back to leave some more updated comments, regarding Jacob Collier’s new ‘Djesse Vol. 4’ music album. And upon my initial reaction to listening to the whole entire album, yep, for sure, there is so much to fully absorb and digest. And I’m not to proud to admit that, I got my original assessment completely wrong. Djesse Vol. 4, is an incredible piece of work. Jacob Collier what with all of the fantastic collaborations, unbelievable choral work, orchestrations,
and an absolutely brilliant reimagining of the Simon & Garfunkel version of ‘Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water’, he’s really created a body of works that, exist on a whole next (alternative) universe. Unfortunately there are now a small number of so-called online reviewers whom have a completely different opinion to the vast majority of real music fans of Jacob’s music. And I would agree that, this kind of maximalist music is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. What I would ask of those people that, for whatever reasons, have chosen to completely diss and unnecessarily nit-pick, over analyse, this new album is, to just give it time to breathe. Perhaps return back to, it at some point in the future. Right now, I’ve most probably watched about a dozen+ reactionary videos by a various cross-section of TH-camrs, as well as, seen exactly how Jacob collaborated together with Tori Kelly, on her particular section of ‘Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water’. (Which is also on his TH-cam channel, highly recommend all of the negative reviewers to watch this) Because it really does give perspective on exactly how Jacob is able to compose the most melodic, harmonic, accappella, complex vocal arrangements, which serve to enhance and complement, the likes of
Yebba and John Legend, whom also feature on this classic song. It really is an incredible reinterpretations. Truly remarkable stuff. This arrangement is pure church, gospel and blues - all interwoven into one. I’ve never heard John Legend sound like this. Tori Kelly produces some insane jazz scats and runs. Yebba is always stunning to listen to. Which brings me back full circle to my experiences of re-listening to Jacob’s new work. For sure, yes, Djesse Vol.4, can come across (on the first few listens) as being a bit of sensory overload. But that’s ok. Because there is more than a sprinkling of real magical gems here. And for all of those Jacob Collier hater’s and detractors, yes, the dude can write the most beautiful songs. It’s just that, some people cannot help but try to influence their own agenda, their own negative narrative. It’s almost like the online critics have fallen into the same repetitive trap of saying something is not good. That, something sounds bad. Purely based on the fact that they just don’t get it. And most probably never will. Which is the case here. Not that, I’m comparing Jacob to Mozart. But remember this, Mozart, died a pauper. Mainly because his music was not fully loved or appreciated at the time. As for one of Jacob’s go-to,use of Logic Pro software. I mean, what this music genius is capable of arranging, layering, intricately producing, playfully switch-up various time-codes, often within the same song or orchestrated piece of music - is all mind boggling stuff. And I would totally agree with something that many other TH-camrs have said, “Jacob Collier is an Alien!” Not only can is Jacob a great multi-instrumentalist. But also what his Djesse Vol. 1-4, reflects is a music artist’s and composer who’s at the very top of his game. And yes, you can hear gospel, jazz fusion, funk, pop, classical, folk music within quadrilody of albums. Compiling, arranging, composing over 50+ songs. There so many wonderful highlights. Jacob Collier is also an amazing live concert performer. But just because critics and some people listening cannot properly pigeonhole him, or define his style of music. Does not mean that it’s not good. Because it really is. There are several testimonies from other great music artists and composers such as, Hans Zimmer, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, whom have also given Jacob high praise, with what he’s capable of doing. And yep, it be really exciting to see the what and the where, where Jacob chooses to go next. And hopefully in the future, apart from all of the live gigs that he’s got lined up until 2025. Jacob will create some smaller, stripped back songs.
And will continue to collaborate, with other like minded great musicians and singers.
I think he defines himself as a ‘sound architect’, and that makes perfect sense to me. It’s the construction and building blocks of music where his primary focus is. At this moment.
Now that Djesse is done, who knows where he’ll go, but I’m along for the ride.
Great review! Really wish Summer Rain would get some more love from the fans and critics.
There surely are lots of people who love that song, however most of them don’t verbalise their love on social media.
Thanks man!
"Little Blue" is my euphoria. Fascinating review. Thanks for posting this.
I loved what you said. I too kinda feel that the early albums were the most 'jacobean' and then as we went on forward they kinda lost that "inner intimacy" in favour of a more collaborative participation. But that doesn't diminish him for me, the guy is experimenting, he is finding himself; pushing all the buttons to see what he gets in return. it's just who he is and why he's fascinating to me.
I can only imagine what he will be able to do 10 years from now. ( he also stated that his career starts now. after Djesse )
I love Jacob and enjoy getting lost in his world of music. His music can, and does move me to tears. That said, the intensity of his music means there are also times when I can't bear to listen to his music. His music is not the sort you can have on in the background, it is music designed for intensional listening. All that said, Jacob is starting to produce more accessible music and tracks like Little Blue and Witness Me will appeal to a wider audience. Some of the arrangements are starting to be a bit more stripped back to. His live versions of Little Blue and Witness Me are simply outstanding.
You make some good points. The albums definitely appeal to a VERY small target audience that enjoys basically EVERY style of music. That said, the whole point of the Jesse series (and the reason it’s 4 volumes instead of just 4 separate albums) was specifically to explore as many musical styles and genres as possible, which he pretty clearly accomplished. I have started listening to new styles of music that I probably never would have explored if not for the Jesse albums, I’m sure I’m not the only one and that is a beautiful thing. Lastly, while Jacob is known for mashing up genres in all kinds of ways, I think his goals with Jesse led to him prioritizing something different over something great in many cases. I am excited to see that he does now that those other goals are gone and he is free to use everything he learned over the last 6 years without constraint.
Identity is a great way to put it. When I find something reminds me of the early works on album 4 I get that much more excited than sitting through experiments I am not the target audience for, sitting there impressed like watching a talent show.
Summer rain demonstrated to me a maturity with his vocal ability… so assured and technical but also casual and expressive.
Has anyone read or listened to This is What it Sounds Like by Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas? It is a fascinating look at why we like the music we do. It has music to listen to on their web site for each chapter and asks questions ... are you a head listener or a heart listener? What kind of beat appeals to you? Are lyrics the most important thing or melody? I'm not a musician but I found this riveting. It might explain why some of Jacob's songs grab us and others don't. We can "like" certain music and then there is music that feels like coming home. It just makes us weep or dance or light our hair on fire. And it's not the same for everybody.
Appreciate this recco
You nailed it. I’m blown away by Jacob’s talent and absolutely love a lot of his stuff, but the man needs an editor!
Or not.
Appreciate the quality commentary. Subscribed.
i loved this album from top to bottom
Well i listened to some of his songs on a real High, and i can say the whole body of work of a single music of him is huge. All the harmonics working it's ways are actually incredible. So much color and richness. All the tones and subtones. So many layers to see, very intense experience. To grasp it fully, or Joyfully, i'd say it needs a high level of perception, otherwise it is just too much to gather at the same time.
Best take on it I have heard so far👌
Interesting analysis and I tend to agree since I was quite underwhelmed by this latest album as well. I applaud you for daring to go against the mainstream and post this. Another thing I find somewhat strange in the years like you following this phenomenon is how Jacob seems rather unphased when you see him performing with his own idols - like him singing with Take 6 for instance. He doesn't really seem moved by it other than his default positivity. Maybe it's just me being weird having imagined for so many years that I could sing with those cool cats and being pretty sure I would have a hard time staying composed experiencing that :-)
I really appreciated the thoughtfulness and restraint of your review. Expressed in the way you did, I see the validity of your comparison of this album, and all the Djesses, with In My Room. I agree that there is such a variety of styles in these songs that it will be hard to identify as strongly with this album as a whole as with those tracks within it that most appeal to each of us.
I wonder, however, if it might reasonably be argued that this represents a commentary as much on the relatively limited bandwidth of the merely mortal listeners as on the apparently limitless vision, and musical and expressive capacity, that Jacob possesses. Perhaps, in his reaching out in so many directions, everyone is able to find here something that touches them in the way that I know I, you, and many others have been touched by his music and his spirit in the past few years. That said, and though I am utterly happy for Jacob to travel in whatever direction the spirit takes him, your hope that his future output might be a little narrower in focus had some resonance with me.
More than anything, however, I am extraordinarily grateful to be alive at the same time as him. He has touched and moved me beyond measure and made my life better for his existence. I would be glad if anyone were minded to feel the same way about me.
I wonder if you, or anyone else, shares my sense that, if humankind were required to put forward to a divine or omnipotent judge one example of the species to justify our continued existence, Jacob would be the prime candidate.
Maybe it’s a old fashioned love for “the album” as an art form, but that’s what I feel Jacob is sacrificing with his breadth. He sure is exceptional though. Thanks for sharing
@@MattOLearyMusic I see. Well that seems a perfectly reasonable way of thinking about an album and I suppose I agree that, especially if viewing the album at its best as a coherent journey, this one could be thought to fall short. Perhaps it's a sign of the times, but I don't really tend to listen to albums right through from start to finish these days and am very happy to take individual tracks at their face value, without thinking to place them in context with the rest of the album from which they came. Anyway, thanks again for your interesting and thoughtfully expressed review. I valued it and admired your ability to articulate your thoughts in a way that distinguished between your opinion of the way the album held together and of Jacob as a musician. I wish I could identify and express my thoughts so clearly.
I feel like my favorite jacob songs are similar to yours. I love his more stripped down, melodic, and emotional songs. His cover of Fix You still tears me up at times, and all his Mahogany sessions are instant re-listens. I think he is at his best when he gives himself or is himself given musical constraints to work within, because otherwise when he is left to the majority of his own devices, I find that a lot of those resultant works inflate to the point to tiresomeness. I would recommend the song, "In the wee small hours of the morning" by Saje feat. Jacob Collier, because it combines a lot of the best elements of his songwriting: interesting harmonic choices/transitions and enough negative space that can be filled in with beautiful melodic lines.
I feel that some parts of this album were extremely clustered, but trust me, after hearing it in Dolby Atmos, it all makes sense. World of world consists of a choir singing completely around and above you, which just boosts my level of enthusiasm towards this album. The ending moments of 100,000 voices is has this wild sounding moment where the song is like a scene, and before the breakdown, the stereo image flips and everything rotates around you 180 degrees, like a rotating stage would. With that, this album just makes sense when in the context of surround sound, and highly recommend it if you are able to hear it in 5.1 or higher.
I loved your honest and thoughtful approach to this.
Your individual track opinions fascinate me because they align very closely with my own, with the glaring exception of WELLLL, which I like somehow. Seemingly no one who has similar preferences to me in general likes it in the slightest lol
I totally get ur point! In my personal view, I would continue on your metaphor with the painting. To me a song is a painting and an album the exhibition that features it. Many exhibitions feature a certain style, mood, etc., but some feature the development of an artist through his life and show different experiments and ideas they carried through it. This album is just that and also features really unusual bits of an exhibiton. He uses a lot of different styles, song writing processes and more. For example 100.000 voices sounds like the lobby of the exhibition, but the artists also took part in designing that aswell and capture its spirit. Or Over You could be the snack area, that has an unusual feature with korean snacks mixed with british and american. That to me makes it fun as an overall experience, but of course there will be some songs that i will listen to a lot and others maybe only 10 times overall.
As someone with ADHD I really felt represented in the album.
The second half of Box of stars part 2 is a real high point for me. Gives me absolute chills.
I'll probably get downvoted for this, but as talented as Jacob Collier might be and as good as his music may be, I just don't find his music listenable. I would never say to myself, "oh, let's pop on some jacob collier" as I would any other music that is good.
Agree!
However you feel about a particular work of art is valid.
I guess the only reason to this feeling, which I cannot relate to, is because he doesn't produce mainstream songs. But I guess it's not an easy listening indeed. But some classical pieces of music, renowned, not to say the least, for example La Cathédrale Engloutie by Debussy are not an easy listening but it's definitely good music. But again, it's completely normal to not feel drawned to listen casually.
What would you "pop on?"
I feel the same way for a lot of the work, but there are 10 songs, or so I will jam out !!! Time and place for many others ! Love seeing the dude evolve, though, and I'm always curious about what's next.
I think that JC maybe doesn't have amazing songs, but he can put something groundbreaking in each one of them, but I share your feelings. Oh and don't forget the narrative of the 4 volumes: he's traveling the whole world so the changes in genres and styles reflect that.
as a fan of jacobs since the In My Room days, I feel the same.
Sad to say Djessy 4 easily has the most misses out of his albums, to the point that after listening to it all the way trough I really don't feel like returning to half the album.
Here’s to great music ahead from Jacob. In My Room is a masterpiece of a debut.
I totally appreciate your well-thought out and perfectly articulated comments in general, I always enjoy your videos becasue of that. You've turned me on to some fantastic artists that I woudn't have known otherwise, so I thank you for that! On this one though, I have a completely opposite opinion. Jacob's music hits me emotionally more than almost any other artist I've ever heard. In fact, that's what makes me so astounded by his work. I joined this "cult" (LOL) after I stumbled upon him here on TH-cam only a few weeks ago, and at this point, I crave listening...it's almost an emoptional rush or high I get from him. Hard to explain. I'm an amateur, long-time musician (guitarist), and maybe I know just enough about music that I see all the rules he's breaking or something. I've always loved preogressive rock and jazz (among other genres), so I enjoy all the complex harmonies, dissonance, key and time signature changes...it's like a snunami of rich textures and sound. Not sure what it is, there's probably a pyschological explanation for it. This new album is his best, for me. There's something cathartic and inspiring about watching someone who's able to pour out his full imagination for us all to see and hear.
Glad you’re loving it. Definitely some absolutely stunners on here, as usual from Jacob. I definitely recommend giving his first album some time, and the band Dirty Loops if you haven’t yet. And THANKS!! 🙏
Thanks for sharing your take! For, this album is incredible. The songs have grown on me more and more as I've been listening. It's all subjective!
Glad this exists to prove that someone can make a critical review of Jacob's music which is fair and balanced and without any ignorance or arrogance, because if you watched the other Djesse 4 reviews on TH-cam you'd think otherwise!
Appreciate it! Extreme (and often over-simplistic) takes get clicks.
The Djesse series feels so me like something you show to someone who wants to speedrun as many musical genres as possible. It takes you from home, all around the world, and back again. I love almost every second of it (I’m aroace, so I don’t relate to volume 3 at all), but I can always appreciate the opinion on Djesse of: “I like some parts, but some songs just aren’t my thing.” To an extent, that’s kinda the point
Great analysis. I love his passion for music, and In My Room and Djesse vol 2 (sometimes vol. 3) are some of the best music I've ever heard. But vol.4 really made me feel... disappointed. Expected more from the interviews, the snippets, the marketing. The worst in the album is Jacob's worst (wich is still good, but has no heart at all). The best of vol.4 is still miles away from his great achievements. Next hope he can focus better on the next album!
Agree that question. Favorite album of he my room. Djesse Vol. 1 and my room and. Djesse Vol. 3. This album I’m disappointed record
This is my favourite album by Jacob so far! I enjoy almost every track immensely! If I was to say a least favourite track it would be Box of Stars Pt 1, which I still find intriguing.
Nice and hones review, congrats!
Thank you!
Thanks for this thoughtful analysis. Regrettably, I agree with your assessment overall. Thankfully, I have no doubt our beloved Jacob will remain grounded in that boundlessly joyous spirit we all resonate with, and I have hope that it will lead to more relatable (simpler?) music.
Thanks for watching! Strangely, I think I’m hoping for something a little less relatable, actually.. something with a stronger sense of individuality.
Great video! 🫶
Really appreciated this review. I think you nailed your description of Jacob... A genius musician, but hasn't yet crafted songs that can start the test of time. Personally i think this is my favorite album of his.
Thanks Tom. Glad you’re loving it.
Jacob Collier has bionic hearing and is one of the most brilliant arrangers/orchestrators I've ever heard. But he can't song write his way out of a paper bag.
I'm glad you made this recommendation, I really like this album. The think the beginning of the album is very strong, really interesting ideas
Glad you found it! Thanks for watching
Jacob makes it very clear that he is not trying to write accessible songs. As he said with his arrangement of BOTW, he sometimes feels like he's painting. We accept that visual artists can and should do their own thing and not try to be accessible. I think we should do the same for artists who work with sound. I think the BOTW cover is a masterpiece. I've been watching singing teachers on TH-cam brought to tears by it, as I was.
I agree with the sentiment. 100,000 voices would have been a perfectly good song with just the main section, and the intro and outro as interludes on separate tracks. She Put Sunshine could have been a good song with a more consistent beat. A Rock Somewhere has a nice melody but feels over-produced. Over You is just over the top, doesn’t really fit with Chris Martins voice. Box of Stars pt. 1, I get that hip hop is down with the kids, but was a rap battle really what all of this was building up to? And I like the idea of pt. 2, but again, it’s more a montage of sections than a wholesome song.
And yes, Little Blue is probably the most wholesome song from all 4 volumes!
For me it's like the more I listen to EVERY song it gets more comfortable and in the end I enjoy almos 99% of all music he made.
The talent and ear is there, but not the restraint. Hopefully that will come soon.
100 % agree with this perspective. As a whole, many songs on this album were harsh to listen to, but some were still quite nice. That doesn’t take away from Jacob Colliers talent, but it seems like his voice / skills are more suited to the in my room stuff and a folkier genre. Just seems like he’s been forcing stuff, especially on Djesse vol 3 and especially especially on vol 4. It’s cool that he’s trying extreme style changes and probably learning a lot from them, but that doesn’t make them effective by their own merit.
There was a big Jacob Collier discussion in our Discord the other day, hitting on many of these point. I shared this video with the peeps over there.
Hey! Appreciate it. He sure does fire up the comments section.
The thing is that Collier is a fantastic creative because he doesn't seem to have an ego that would make him second guess creating. It simply doesn't seem to exist. If he were forced to collaborate with a box, a five year old and an A list celebrity he would likely be as enthusiastic about all three ideas in equal measure. Rainbow coloured crocs. Clothing that he clearly found in charity shops and was overjoyed to have and overjoyed to give it to someone else later to see them happy. 'Jacob, you have a concert in five minutes in the basement of a small pub in front of twenty people.' 'Jacob, you're performing at the 02.' Thumbs up and a grin at either.
I remember reading in the comment section of 'Little Blue' that the song helped someone cope with the loss of their infant daughter. You can't weigh that against views, fans or finances. It's the reason we create.
I agree, I get that maximalist is his thing, but some restraint and focus may produce less work, but it's so frustrating that with many artists short of ideas to explore. he has too many..
Always remember it is entertainment and Jacob collier to my mind is a fabulous orchestrator of great music. Just enjoy his work.
Hes a producer without a songwriter to focus his energy. Most producers just want to create but we dont often have much to say, at least by ourselves
Pretty interesting dichotomy here. I wonder if there are traits that predispose you to both skill sets, and if there are examples of artists who play both roles exceptionally
Djesse 4 is the only Jacob album I've wanted to listen to multiple times
It's really nice to find someone who has the same opinion when it comes to their favorite Jacob album! "In my room" is more raw and I feel like especially Djesse 4 has a lot of production/mixing/editing/computer sounds... etc. To me Jacob's very intuitive and honest musicality can be heard best when he plays real instruments and uses his real voice (with little to no autotune). That's why I really like "Little Blue" or a lot of tracks from Djesse Vol.2. I still admire all the crazy and outstanding stuff he did on Vol.4 and the theory behind is interesting to me. But I definitely have less immediate feelings and I get goosebumps quite rarely. When it comes to "Bridge over troubled water" I basically skip the John Legend-part and just enjoy Tori singing to the crazy harmonies, that tingle my brain!! Does anyone else do that??:D
I have been aware of him for a long time, but only very recently have I actually done a deeper study of sort, and it really is mind boggling what he is able to do. I think I've hear little blue, though in two versions, some 10 or 12 times in a row, and not for analytical reasons, just for enjoyment. It is a rare thing that I can just listen and enjoy, without focusing on the flaws, the missed opportunities and so forth, and there are flaws to be found. for one he is very young, and while brilliant, still has much to learn. This also means that he makes those errors in judgement that I actually hate the most rather a lot, and yet, it just doesn't bother me. Bridge over troubled water should be an absolute atrocity to my ears, but somehow it is not.
I'm not sure exactly what my conclusion is, but as of late I have seriously considered if perhaps he is not just up there, but actually surpassing those who pretty much defined music as we know it. Not genres or instrumentation or whatnot, but the very foundation it is all built upon. Those like Mozart, who broke the rules and at a time where this really shouldn't have been possible, got away with it and effectively became immortal. There may be those whose never heard his name, but everyone have experienced his legacy, because it is everywhere.
I seriously wonder if it may be the case that there has never been anyone even remotely like him.
In any case I very much look forward to whatever is to come.
This review is the best one I have seen so far on the matter of Djesse vol4, the series and Collier himself. I am a little heartbroken with how I feel about vol4, because I and many people have waited so long for it. I agree that this is beautiful album, but also an insanely messy one at that. And I am a JC fan thru n thru, so if I can admit that, what is that saying? Hahaahaha
I'm only 22 and I don't follow that many active musicians so this was kind of the first time in my adult life that I was really hyped for an album. This feels really weird because making music is such a big part of my life but those are the facts. So I can't really draw comparisons to other album releases. The older Jacob Collier songs I've heard some time after the album has dropped.
That being said I'm not disappointed with the album. I'd say it's my favorite Djesse Album. It I would put songs in tiers I'd say:
S - Bridge over troubled water
A - 100.000 Voices, Little Blue, Wellll, Summer Rain, A Rock Somewhere, World O World
B - She Put Sunshine, Wherever I Go, Witness Me, Never Gonna Be Alone, Over You
C - Cinnamon Crush, Box of Stars Pt. 1&2
D - Mi Corazón
So it's really only one song I don't enjoy and Box of Stars Pt. 2 is on itself maybe not that awesome but I think it really adds a lot to the whole of Djesse.
And Bridge over troubled water is now my second favorite song from him behind moon river. Also I'll probably sing Little Blue and Wellll in one of my choirs and World O World in another one. I'm really looking forward to that.
I still agree that this is not the best Jacob can be. But that's totally ok. He even said before even starting with Djesse that only after completing these 4 albums will he be able to actually start making music. What he meant by that is that Djesse is mostly intended as an opportunity for him to learn a lot.
I can't wait to see what path he will go from here on out. There are no limits to what he could do.
Love this comment. I appreciate your perspective! And I’m very jealous that you’re singing those songs in choir…
Well, I guess the issue is that Jacob Collier is having so many fans and listeners from totally different musical backgrounds. My absolute personal favourite is Box of Stars Part 2. I feel like going on a Journey through the universe. But my appreciation comes from, I guess, my great love for experimental electronic music. Others will like more the Pop songs on this album, others more the jazzy ones. Just depending from where they come from, and what is their regular listening experience.
When people have computer brains 500 years from now Jacob Collier will be considered the greatest musician of all time, Expressing ultimate cosmic simplicity..
yup, same experience here. my favorite collier album is still his covers collection
No one, absolutely no one is above criticism. On any real of human endeavor. Doesn't matter if they objectively technically better at you. Humans are not flawless, and the flaws can be spotted by anyone
i wuld just love to hear what jacob does next, restraint is not something i wish for, but thats just my take on it.
Some great points and discussion on the album. But when you say what you "hope comes next is restraint (or restrained?)", I couldn't disagree more. So many musicians are restrained in their creativity, but Jacob makes music in a way that is so free, and I believe that is his greatest strength, over his technical abilities. I can't wait for more hits and misses from him, but I hope it is never restrained!
I just hope Jacob continues to make whatever he fancies. He's always surprising, which also makes him exciting. He has already shown to me he can go big and small if he pleases. As a listener, I'm more intrigued in just hearing him do whatever he finds interesting.
I think this review sums up exactly how I feel about Jacob. He is a phenomenal, one-of-a-kind talent and it's clear to see he gets so much joy from all these different musical styles and collaborations, and I'm not the one to tell him to stop that. But do I think Jacob has made a brilliant album yet? I do not. Is there a Jacob album I can say I truly love? I cannot. I share your sentiments that I think he might make his best music when he actually strips things back and and actually goes for simplicity. There's that famous quote from Miles Davis "it's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play". I feel like Jacob could benefit from that - for my enjoyment at least.
Time will tell how Jacob goes down in history but you might be on to something that he may the most musical voice on the planet because his musicality is endless. So yes, he could go down in history as a leading master musician of our time like Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Kate Bush, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, the list goes on and on, Beyoncé, Eminem, Nirvana, Herbie Hancock, I prefer to say that Jacob Collier is a brilliant musical light that inspires us to reach for our greater humanity, to shoot for the moon so no matter where you land, you will be among the stars. He inspires three kids from South Africa to join him among the stars, Bikos Manna. I love him!
Jacob is one of my go to artists to throw on when I take psychedelics. I never touch his music otherwise.
It's interesting. Obviously your favourite tracks are 'subjective', but you ranked them in exactly the same order I would, and I think most people would agree. I think that's the sign of a great album. I absolutely loved it personally . Every track had some really special moments for me. I think Jacob's just getting better and better. (Most noticeably as a vocalist). He's developing into a truly extraordinary emotional force.
"Hideaway" is probably his best song, along with the SP version of "Don't You Know"
interesting to see even Michael McDonald on 1 track.
Yeah, even Kimbra is a fan.
i feel like this is the only fair review Jacob Collier got with this new album that both sees his talent (his song-writing talent, it is there trust me) and where he possibly fucked up
I really like the diversity and the incosistencies of Djesse 4. I think they represent the way we live today, which is far from being consistent. I feel like Djesse 4 is a outstandingly creative look at the madness of chaos we live in as people of the 21st century. Djesse 4 is already my favourite album of 2024. There could not come anything better...
It definitely mirrors the overstimulation and chaos of the day. It’s strange, because usually I like diverse records more than this - where each song is its own world. Anyway, glad you’re loving it
I think this was a very good prospective. In his interviews he says he just wants to keep collaborating with people. But after this album I think the best thing to do creativly is to shrink things down again. Just one guy maybe his band. Making music of a very short period of time in a small space with minimal people involved. I think it's like Marvel mcu where djesse was end game. It got very big. Now it's time to look at the smaller picture.
Hone in on story telling and song writing. Anyway I'd I was jacob I was think that's where he is planning next as it's the next natural progression creativly speaking.
Yes, I expect a closure to come naturally after years of opening.
What if i like g,c,d and e minor?
Jacob Collier is the musical definition of "just because. you can, doesn't mean you should." He is absolutely unlistenable.
Cool, this is exactly how I feel too! He's a genius etc. but the songwriting is really lacking. In terms of reharms I found Bridge over Troubled Water to be a big miss - too much, every choice feels necessary. For me this is far below Moon River, which I find to be his absolute masterpiece in that exercise.
I was surprised by some of your choices, like with "WELLLLL". But I definitely agree that there is so much on these tracks that it's kinda inevitable to find something u like, but I definitely do feel like the message ends up getting watered down as a result. I love Jacob and he's been such an inspiration for me, but there are for sure moments where i have to question the borderline unnecessary choices he makes
I agree with this review. Jacob shows glimpses of amazing writing but will then ruin a song with a screamo addition at the end of a song.
I don't like the album as a wole but some of the songs are the best things ever, say what you will but Bridge over troubled water gives me the chills, and it's like you said, giddiness, a contagious enthusiasm. I'm kinda sick of people hating on Jacob like he's some disgusting soulless fiend.
The production chops are just not there. It lacks clarity and refinement to add all the layers to make it a truly amazing listening experience. He needs a sound engineer or co producer to really step it up.
Your review is spot on. Well done
I love a lot of what he does but certainly not all but I'm glad for him to spread his net too wide. I think he'll come out of this period with more understanding of his own vision and I honestly believe we haven't seen his masterpiece yet. I remember the path Kate Bush took before she nailed her thing in Hounds of Love.
This is the optimist’s take, and I’m with you
In my personal opinion, being a Composer for 3 Decades constantly thru life, He writes with his Brain finding the most awesome chordprogressions..Little genius moments and emotional explosions, but not fokussed on the journey of a SONG (dunno how to put it better)...but eventually he will be bored with this...all it needs then is some emotional rollercauster/Trauma and when we are lucky this will flow from the heart to the keys into a Song. And then it will be ... Music 10.0 ;-)
OR SHORT: Collier writes for the Music and Not for a Girl*. yet.
(Dunno and don`t care what sets his Heart on fire. But this way the Claim sounds most poetic, right?)
(..and Quincy jones gets on the phone and calls e v e r y o n e if there is some-one who could break Jacobs Heart,,,just a little.. )
THIS ALBUM IS SOOO AMAZING! 10/10 ❤❤❤❤❤
He gives us what we didn’t know we wanted
Artist do that
But this one reminds me of Mozart
He is a musical genius
I play guitar
I feed off his style
You and I is also my favorite cover from Jacob, no one talks about that one.
For such a talented musician, never heard a soul say “play some JC his new album was so good” 💀 like if it’s trash it’s trash stop glazing just cuz he has musical talent and potential, jacob collier is gifted 100% but he’s not a good songwriter
I loved Witness me! The whole album spoke to me
In a culture where art has largely been replaced by art criticism, where for any one piece of art there are thousands of people (of varying credentials) offering analysis of the worth of another’s art as if this is itself a worthwhile and creative process, we may fail to understand an artist who is making art for their own enjoyment rather than to meet the standards of art criticism. To be ‘disappointed’ that an artist isn’t producing ‘something great’ that will ‘stand the test of time’ that will be considered objectively great by generations of critics to come is to miss the point that that is not what makes great art, that is what makes marketable art. And marketing is what art criticism is about, in the end this boils down to his music not being marketable, there is no easy way to convince the masses to consume it, and so it’s not ‘good’ by the standards of the culture. Oh well, that’s not stopping Jacob from making fun music that he enjoys making.
Jacob is such a paradox. Insane genius level musical vocabulary, knowledge and virtuosity but extremely immature songwriting. It's the curse of the prodigy.
I think his worldview comes through clearly in his songwriting, and I could see how you could see it as immature. It seems thematically shallow or one dimensional.
Nobody is above criticism, I don't think Jacob would even feel that he is probably especially himself
Every song on this album is a masterpiece.
Jacob is a once in a lifetime artist. Dont waste your time rating his stuff. its just going to diminish and put a cap on your enjoyment. Simply enjoy his process and appreciate his creative genious unfiltered, good and bad. Because we are not getting another Jacob for a few centuries
I see your point, but I find tremendous value in honest criticism - both in trying to articulate my experience and in sharing & discussing this with others. Jacob’s work inspires reflection on some foundational topics around art and aesthetics.
This is more a self reflection of you, by you, than a review of Jacob. Which is cool. Self reflection is cool. Now I know more about you. So, I guess bringing Jacob into it worked.
In Djesse 4 he sounds like Raphael looked like in the Sistine Chapel. Not everything is palatable but the whole is beyond criticism.
One musnt/cannot say he missed the mark in every detail!
I think your comment "..if you're like me and after this album experience.." (7:28) is very revealling. You are a consumer. Jacob Collier's greatness is less evident in the experience of today's consumers but rather in how he has undoubtably already profoundly effected what future generations of consumers will experience.