Songs I’m really into at the moment
Jacob Collier’s album DJesse Vol. 4 via Hajanga Records
I go through a lot of music phases. The way it usually goes is I have an artist that I consistently listen to, and I rarely stray from them for a few months until I find someone else.
During this time, I randomly listen to other songs, but I don’t really focus on anyone else until I start to get a little tired of the artist that I’m obsessed with at the time.
My latest obsession has been one of my longest-lasting ever. I went to the Eras Tour in May of 2023, and since then, it has been Taylor Swift non-stop. Honestly, it’s not surprising that it has lasted this long because she has a million songs to keep me coming back.
Whenever I think that I have gone through everything she’s released, I find a song that I love on one of her earlier albums that I never really got into.
But I think that I am finally coming out of my Taylor Swift obsession era (at least until she releases The Tortured Poets Department in April).
As I’ve started listening to other music, I’ve seen the lead-up to Jacob Collier’s new album, Djesse Vol. 4, being released. And just to warn you, the first three songs on this list are from that album.
1. Witness Me- Jacob Collier, Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, and Kirk Franklin (and kinda Tori Kelly)
The first song on this list is “Witness Me” by Jacob Collier, Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, and Kirk Franklin. The actual version I’ve been listening to, though, is not on the album. This version is on YouTube, and a performance from Jimmy Kimmel Live.
In this live version, Jacob is playing the piano and is accompanied by a group of background singers.
One of these singers is Tori Kelly, who also sings the second verse of the song. And one thing about me is that I’m going to pick the version with Tori Kelly. Especially, if it’s live.
This song not only has an amazing message about being there for other people, but it is also so fun to listen to.
2. Bridge Over Troubled Water- Jacob Collier, Yebba, John Legend, and Tori Kelly
This is another song from Djesse Vol. 4, and it also has Tori Kelly in it. What can I say? I’m predictable. It also features John Legend and Yebba, who didn’t want to be credited, as she felt that she didn’t contribute anything new to the song. Jacob had taken a recording of her singing the song a few years ago and put it into the song.
This song starts with Yebba’s version, which is incredible. The second verse is sung by John Legend, who also does an incredible job. Then, there is an interlude with Jacob’s vocalizations and a million other things that I could never describe. These are also prevalent throughout the whole song, harmonizing to the extreme and proving that Jacob Collier is a musical enigma. The last part of the song is sung by Tori Kelly, and it is insane. There is a video of Jacob and Tori recording her part and I’ve watched it probably more times than I’ve listened to the song. I’ll also put a link below to that video.
This is a song that is not for casual listening. I don’t think that I could play it in the background, because it’s a song you have to focus on. I heard someone say that this song was like an exquisite painting. You can’t just walk past it and go “Oh, that’s nice”. You have to sit with it and digest it.
I have nowhere near the amount of music knowledge that is needed to describe this song, and I’ve barely scraped the surface of what it actually is, so it would just be better if you listened to it yourself. Jacob also has a 2-hour logic session breakdown that explains how he created this song. I haven’t listened to it, because I would be lost and probably get overwhelmed but if you want to hear him dive into that, that video is on YouTube, as well.
3. Wherever I Go- Jacob Collier, Lawrence, and Michael McDonald
This is the last Jacob Collier song on this list. It also features one of my favorite bands, Lawrence, along with Michael McDonald. This song is super fun.
They all switch off parts and then come together for the crazy harmonies. Their respective voices fit this song so well. This song is a great example of why Jacob Collier’s music is so unique. No part is the same. You think you know what the verse is going to sound like, but then he adds something that switches it up.
The last part of this song is so good! They all sing together, and there is a part where they all sing this “ah oh yeah” kinda harmony part, and it fits so well.
4. Go In Light- Marcus Mumford & Monica Martin
Ok. We’re finally talking about a different artist. So, you probably know Marcus Mumford from the band Mumford & Sons, but he has also been releasing solo music for a bit.
This song is from his solo album, (self-titled). I have no idea what it is about this song, but it makes me feel that feeling that reminds me why I love music so much. This song is honestly the reason I wanted to make this list.
I don’t know how to explain why I like this song. It’s the music and the harmonies and I don’t even know. It’s just so good. Somebody please listen to it and tell me why I love it so much!
5. Forever- Noah Kahan
Recently, Noah Kahan has been re-releasing his songs from Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), but with some major features. It’s like we’ve been seeing his rise to fame in real-time through all of the big names he’s getting on his songs.
He just released a new version of this album called Stick Season (Forever) with all of the new duets, while also adding a new song called “Forever”.
Not only does this song expertly reference other songs on the album, but it also encompasses the entire feel and essence of the album. It’s a perfect end to the era he’s been in with this album. It’s also super catchy, and it has that ability that all of his songs have to make you feel things even if you don’t relate to the content.
Featured photo via Universal Music Canada
