Jessie Clement – Slow Motion Philosophies
Release Date: February 14, 2020 via Corum Hill Records
Before I even spoke with Jessie Clement to talk about her new album, I was already hooked on her music. Now having heard the entire version of Slow Motion Philosophies, I can tell you that my ear doesn’t lie. The album consisting of ten well produced tracks flexes strong musicianship and deep lyrical content.
The record was produced by music industry vets Russell Terrell (Brooks & Dunn, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett) and Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas) and showcases instrumentals of guitarist Mark Trussell (Maren Morris, Blake Shelton), bassist Rich Brinsfield (Brothers Osborne, Drew Holcomb), and drummer Evan Hutchings (Kelsea Ballerini, Rascal Flatts). Not too hard to back up my prior statement with an album credit-list, like this one.
Jessie hits upon themes of self introspection, heartache and heartbreak as she definitely distinguishes between the last two. On songs like Borrowed and Blue, Let It All Fall and Palace Of Pride she takes you on a journey of where am I, what if, and how did I get here? By the time you get to the song Roses, you are greeted with a beautiful piano piece that showcases Clement’s vocal range. She reaches up for those high notes without truly going to her head voice. This is not an easy thing to accomplish but she does it masterfully.
It’s time for an uptempo number. Jessie delivers with Sentimental Ghosts, a song that will have you tapping along and marveling at her runs and noodles she drops in when you least expect it. On Undefined Lines – this is something that I’ve come to know Jessie for. An acoustic guitar, string slaps as she keeps time and hitting those nice little harmonics in the choruses. Combine with another great vocal performance and fat snare, this song really soared for me.
On the title track, we are treated with a couple of new things from the Clement crew. A snappy, tuned up snare and a slap-backed vocal that was terrific choice, as she has a few spoken word parts on the track. Production, man. Love it. Let’s talk chord progression. I Don’t Know has an almost happy sound but as the line progresses there is a hint of sadness in the music, that I just love. Accompanied by warm electric guitar that sounds like it came from human fingers instead of a guitar pick, is so perfect to the song.
On many of the tracks you can hear Jessie’s influences and a lot of them come from brilliant acoustic guitars singer-songwriters. But on What’s A Girl Got To Do has an R&B vibe to it that resonated with me instantly. That piano feels like something Eric Benet would be proud to sing over. The album closes with one of the deepest songs on the entire record. It’s one that I recommend you go listen to. Endings has a haunting soundtrack and an even more ghostly feel to it, lyrically. The song opens this way: When I’m gray and fading, will you see me through? When our crystal memories are only clear to you.. Go listen to the rest. You won’t be disappointed.
-Tommy Marz
You can follow Tommy on Twitter and Instagram let him know what you think.
For More On Jessie Clement, Visit: