Everything Is Not What It Seems - the one named Jasmine (R&B) the one named Jasmine joins our blog this week for the first time with latest EP “Everything Is Not What It Seems.” A fresh new artist with a story to tell, we were delighted to enjoy this project. But before we dive into our favorite tracks, let’s start getting to know our artist.
A singer, songwriter and rapper all in one, the one named Jasmine aims to make music that touches the soul. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Jasmine’s journey began in the church choir, later attending a performing arts school and even featuring at Carnegie Hall. A traumatic childhood led to not only a name change, but also a musical journey that the world is now benefitting from. Her first single “Down Bad” precedes this new EP.
With “Everything Is Not What It Seems”, the one named Jasmine hopes to defy conventional boundaries with a genre blending experience showcasing raw vulnerability. On the EP, Jasmine touches on self-discovery, emotional turmoil and the complexity of existence itself, doing so with a mix of R&B and alternative styles that create an ethereal experience. At its heart is brutal honesty, with stories drawn from Jasmine’s own personal struggles.
What we found was a deeply personal story told sequentially from a desire to tear down the past, to falling back into it with an ex, to a traumatic story of survival, ending with a triumphant stepping into power. While mostly housed in R&B, there are quite a few 90s alt rock influences as well, creating a distinct style for the new artist. But although the production is crisp, the true star of the project is the storytelling, and boy does Jasmine have one to tell. As you’ll see from our track reviews below, Jasmine is truly one who was forged in fire.
Album intro “Burn It All Down” is a grungy R&B midtempo cut setting the stage for all that’s to come. On the record, Jasmine wipes the slate clean, letting the listener know that they can always tear it all down and claim a fresh start. It’s a great way to start the album and makes the audience wonder what Jasmine’s new world will contain. It also revolves on a fire analogy that will become poignant later in the project.
“Set Us Free” is vibey from the start, with a lilting guitar setting a somber mood. Jasmine is wistful on the track, yearning to leave it all behind on a 90s alt rock sounding track. “I Wish You Would” contrasts biting lyrics with a mellow NuDisco vibe. While the instrumental feels like a slinky, sultry track, Jasmine uses it to lull the listener into safety only to tell them to come correct.
“I’m Back With My Ex” jumps back to alt rock, a mix between power ballad and avante garde, a true genre blend brimming with passion. “Release Me” pulls back to a more contemplative stance, using a waltz to convey that Jasmine is currently dancing with danger by getting back with her ex on the last track.
“Worry About Me” introduces some smooth jazz into the project, melding it with R&B for our favorite track on the project. With lyrics mature beyond Jasmine’s years, this record is a standout. Track “I Just Wanna Talk” tells the tale of a lover scorned, as Jasmine still seems stuck with this ex who has yet to figure out how to treat her right.
And here is where we take a turn, right at the penultimate track. “House Fire” delves into the deeply personal outside of romance for the most captivating track of the album, as Jasmine utilizes a spoken word/rap to tell a harrowing story of barely surviving a house fire, left behind by her own mother. Shocking and devastating, if you listen to one track on this album, this is the one. While you may have thought vulnerability preceded, this is one of the rawest tracks we’ve reviewed on this blog.
Closing with “Champion”, triumphant horns ring out like a coronation, as Jasmine rises from the ashes to claim her throne. It’s a perfect follow up to the prior track, Jasmine staying on her rap game to step into a confidence that arrives for the first time. The bookend assures us that Jasmine has survived the story told on “Everything Is Not What It Seems”, which the listener is grateful for after having fallen in love with her through the project. We’re relieved to leave her in this headspace, and excited for her next chapter.
TRACKS:
Burn It All Down
Set Us Free
I Wish You Would
I’m Back With My Ex
Release Me
Worry About Me
I Just Wanna Talk
House Fire
Champion