Jaden Michaels – Jaden Michaels EP

Sea Gayle Music

Release Date: August 27th 2021

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Jaden Michaels– Jaden Michaels EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

  1. Granted
  2. Every Last Thing
  3. Close To You
  4. Mama’s Girl
  5. Rest Of My Life

In such a time as this- especially during times of trouble and hardship like how we are all still experiencing the very worst of COVID-19; how can we deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness? While we are all stuck at home and wondering when everything can and will return to normal, is it a fair assumption that basically the only thing we can do (aside from praying to God), is to try to carry on as ‘normal’ as can be? It may seem impossible to resume life as it once was… but for our own sanity, emotional well-being and mental health; we cannot live life in a holding pattern for a long time. And thus, can I suggest music, and lots of it? Music is the universal language of the soul, and such songs can be healing and therapeutic I reckon. But whether you are drawn to music artists that you’ve already heard and have already loved, or whether you’re captivated and moved by someone new… well I’d say that’s neither here nor there. But let me say that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the various lockdowns we’ve all endured; well, that’s probably been the time when I’ve been blessed and inspired by the highest volume of music. Music from all genres, from different time periods, and from veterans and newer artists; I think I’ve dived deep into many artists whom I wouldn’t even think about listening to even two years ago. If COVID-19 has helped me in some weird way… it’s to help broaden my horizons in terms of music and to appreciate the fact that God can use any type of music that He wants; even if it initially wasn’t meant to glorify Him. And therefore, can I add another artist to the ‘inspirational’ list of artists who have moved and spoke to me greatly within the past few years? Jaden Michaels, elder sister of singer/songwriter Julia Michaels, has unveiled her debut self-titled country EP this past week. And let me tell you, I reckon Jaden has a bright future ahead of her.

When you’ve been introduced to a new-ish artist, in a completely random way, who do you thank, if it turns out to be an artist that you’re immediately captivated by? Should you thank Apple Music or Spotify or YouTube for the recommendation, or do you thank God for ultimately orchestrating things so that you hear this artist at this specific time? Or do you thank the artist’s parents and family for the fact that they’re born into this world? Or is it some sort of combination of the three? For Jaden Michaels and her powerful, compelling, impacting and moving EP, I guess I would thank God, Apple Music and Julia Michaels. That combination is what drew me to Jaden’s music… and let me encourage you all to check out Jaden’s songs as well. The EP opens up with “Granted”, a sweet and sensual melody about the persona loving their partner on a physical level, and is also a reminder that we as people cannot take our partners for granted, otherwise physical and emotional distance can grow and fester, leading to resentment; while the thankful and appreciative pop tune “Every Last Thing” celebrates the persona’s partner’s love for them, and a love that extends past the superficial and into the deepest parts of their soul. And for Jaden to include these sweet but relevant songs first up in this EP, with thoughtful messages permeated as well; let us celebrate the emergence of another burgeoning superstar- and let’s hope that Jaden is even half as brilliant and skilful as Julia.

The rest of the EP is just as moving and powerful as the first two tracks. “Close To You” is a heartbreaking, electric guitar led ballad, whereby Jaden sings about an ex she still has feelings for and that ‘…nothing comes close to you, when I’m waking up in his t-shirt, kissing his lips and I’m missing you, what the hell am I supposed to do? When I still see your blue eyes, when he’s looking back into mine, every time there’s someone new, yeah, the farther I get, the harder I try to love someone, the more that I realize that I’m always running…’; and while we don’t know if the ex is alive or dead- the fact still remains that people are sometimes still hung up on others for maybe longer than is actually healthy- and sometimes in these situations, we all need to take a step back and figure out our own stuff before we jump headstrong into a rebound relationship. “Mama’s Girl”, a country/pop song dedicated to Jaden’s mother, speaks about a possible tenuous and strained relationship, but also a respect, given that ‘…you’re still my way home, every turn on this long road, no matter how far I go, in this big ol’ world, I’ll always be mama’s girl…’. Jaden’s debut EP then ends with the introspective and reflective “Rest Of My Life”. One of the most emotional songs on this EP, Jaden earnestly champions her partner (whether the song is based in reality, is anyone’s guess, but irrelevant!) and sings about wanting to spend the rest of her life with them. It’s a sweet and emotional tune that inspires us to make bold and big decisions and to step out in faith when we would otherwise be scared and apprehensive.

Jaden Michaels is a breath of fresh air to the country music genre. Similar in style to artists like Maddie & Tae, Lauren Alaina and Ingrid Andress; fans of her sister Julia may like this EP too. Though Jaden may not be as popular nor respected than her sister, the fact that she is stepping out and carving her own career apart from her sister… is remarkable and astounding. We do not know what the future may hold in terms of music and concerts in light of ever rising COVID-19 cases. But regardless, Jaden’s future will be bright, and she is destined for great things. Though these songs are about relationships- no doubt there’s still plenty of relevant topics at hand that will resonate with us all. So well done Jaden; I can’t wait to hear what’s next for you!

3 songs to listen to: Every Last Thing, Mama’s Girl, Rest Of My Life

Score: 4/5

RIYL: Maddie & Tae, Julia Michaels, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Lindsay Ell

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