Louder Than The Music

Jodi Essex - Irreverent

Artist:

Jodi Essex

Title:

Irreverent

Type:

Album

Released:

26 Jun 2020

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Review

It's here, Jodi Essex has released her latest album 'Irreverent'. We at LTTM started picking up her single releases and loved them, so to know there is a collection of songs as one album now is great news.

Written and recorded at Uphill Studios in Atlanta, GA alongside Studio Owner, Producer and Drummer Sean Hill (Jamie Grace, Clay Crosse, Landry Cantrell), “Irreverent” is part of a 10-song record that is both guitar-driven and melodic with lyrics that are forthright, yet introspective. Backed by an experienced team of musicians, the single features guitarist and bassist Jadan Sorenson (Angie Stone, Montell Jordan,...
Read More It's here, Jodi Essex has released her latest album 'Irreverent'. We at LTTM started picking up her single releases and loved them, so to know there is a collection of songs as one album now is great news.

Written and recorded at Uphill Studios in Atlanta, GA alongside Studio Owner, Producer and Drummer Sean Hill (Jamie Grace, Clay Crosse, Landry Cantrell), “Irreverent” is part of a 10-song record that is both guitar-driven and melodic with lyrics that are forthright, yet introspective. Backed by an experienced team of musicians, the single features guitarist and bassist Jadan Sorenson (Angie Stone, Montell Jordan, Crystal Nicole, Sounds of Blackness, Bucky Covington), Pablo Melgar - Keys (touring with FRVR FREE; previously with New Song, Passion, Jesus Culture), Josh Smith (Strings), Jon-Paul Keller - Background Vocals (David and Nicole Binion, BJ Putnam). It was mixed by Sean Hill and mastered by Bob Boyd (Ambient Digital, LLC).

Although Jodi has been a Christian her entire life, “Irreverent” highlights something she has experienced for years; through her work in entertainment, which included television, film and the pursuit of a more-secular music career, Jodi felt like her heart and purpose weren’t always in the right place. As doors have opened and closed, Jodi’s music journey has been marked by moments she’s felt God saying, “It doesn’t matter; trust me and my plan for your life.”

Opening track 'Stand Up' kicks off the album as it means to go on, rocking guitars with a pounding drum beat. Then comes the stunning and powerful vocals of Jodi and you are in for a treat, just wait for the lead guitar at the end to really hear this song soar. What I got out of this song is that it is an anthem for standing up for the truth. For me the biggest draw of this song, and it has been for any song by Jodi, is the passion - from the musicianship to her vocals.

The album takes a massive twist for the second track 'Soar', it goes from out and out fist pumping rock to a haunting start to the song. This has a more power ballad feel to it, but as soon as I think I've worked this song out, it kicks into another level. The track 'Irreverent' is classic rock at its best. Riffs, thumping drums, pounding bass and strong rock vocals and you have an amazing track. The song does have a power rock feel to it, even with the over the top 80s guitar solo, but I kind of loved it! It all works perfectly. The track 'What Is Your Truth' for me shows off the vocals of Jodi for not just being a passionate rock vocalist but actually showing off that she has more depth and intimacy to her voice too.

That intimacy continues in the song 'Symphony', again this shows that Jodi has more than one style of vocal in her locker. Yet if you're looking for the rock n roll side of Jodi and her band then when the track 'Fighter' kicks in, you hear something really special. As you might expect from a track of this name, the tempo on this song is something well worth mentioning and is the draw of this single. The tempo comes from the brilliant drums and heavy guitar riffs, and when you add on top of that the female rock n roll voice of Jodi you have a really brilliant track. There is a part of Jodi's vocals that are all swagger, and then there is a part that is raw and honest, a hard mix for any vocalist to give - especially when they are really going for it in a track about being a Fighter.

This album balances between rock music, big power ballads and beautiful intimate songs like 'Weightless'. At the heart of the album is a sense of passion and even fight. You can't listen to this Jodi Essex album and not think "right, I can change this world". But of course the biggest draw of the album is the vocals of Jodi - this lady can really sing, and she sings from the heart. And when someone does that then you know you're onto a winner.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Stand Up
Symphony
Fighter
Weightless

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Track Listing

Jodi Essex - Irreverent

Listen

Review

Video

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Jodi Essex

Jodi Essex - Weightless (Live)

Jodi Essex - Irreverent

Other Jodi Essex Releases

Fearless

Fearless

Unravel

Offend

God Bless The USA

What Is Your Truth?