★★★★★
Singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin has released her first album in four years. The Australian alternative-Indie artist last hit her audience with ‘Pre Pleasure ’, her third album, and one filled with melancholic soft-rock songs that investigated her childhood.
Jacklin especially has a talent for pensive lyricism, saying enough to conjure imagery but leaving enough for the interpretation of the audience. Her decade-long career has established her as an international introspective and confessional storyteller, balancing vulnerability and power. In her newest album, ‘The Gem’, it is undeniable that this skill has been honed over the last 4 years.
Opening the album with ‘Brand New’ ushers in a new musical era, but also a new period post-breakup. Sharing the intention to forget them, whilst filling her life to distract herself. This new era brings with it a lighter sound with its stripped-back layers; it focuses on a simple beat with gentle guitar.
One of Jacklin's consistent themes is religion and its enmeshment in her upbringing; this was especially prevalent in her last release but finally comes to fruition in the second track of the album ‘God Sometimes ’, where she discusses taking control of her own life even when it seems impossible. Comparing her actions to the miracles of God, such as controlling the weather or moving mountains. She takes God off a pedestal by finding value in herself: “Hold out for something greater / I see you as your own saviour”.
With ‘Hand of God ’, we discuss the role that God, as a figure, has had. Jacklin contemplates how realistic this idea of a saviour is in her life over a soft-rock instrumental. This contemplation is continued in ‘Angel Vision’, but rather than God maintaining this all-powerful and omnipotent role, the narrative is switched, inducting a loved one as the most important thing, with Jacklin becoming submissive to them: "I'll let you teach me things I already knew” This song takes an acoustic path, paired with heavenly dual-vocals striking against Jacklin's, adding narration to this separate figure.
Entering immediately after ‘Angel Vision’ with a consistent beat, ‘Real Life’ once again touches on miscommunication. Describing an unestablished relationship, Jacklin discusses the hardships of give-and-take, as well as the disruption of real life when in a dream-like state.
With ‘Get Away From Me (I Think I'll Love You Soon)’, the themes of vulnerability and complexity continue. This balance is abundantly clear with a downbeat guitar backing, allowing you to focus on the very obvious lyrics. Jacklin is scared to be vulnerable to another significant figure in her life romantically. Explaining that she would rather the other person didn't try, because they would fall for them unquestionably. Closing the song with: "I'm trying to not want you to stay / I'm trying to get through the day / Get away from me I think I'll love you soon”.
Disillusioned with the idea of a relationship, ‘The Hardest Thing’ depicts complete miscommunication, an ever-occurring theme throughout Jacklin's discography. Throughout the song, things are described as completely out of reach, in separate rooms, in separate cars, and constantly on a never-ending loop. Leading Jacklin to believe that the hardest thing to do: “Is to believe it when you say I love you". Essentially, miscommunication bleeds the relationship dry. This track is also a remarkable exhibition of her voice, tonally matching the vibe of the song with lulling lows, yet staying strong and consistent when pleading.
One of the most confessional songs on the album, 'You Turned On The Tap' allows Jacklin to decompress and unshackle herself from the guilt of the inevitable breakup of a relationship. Admitting that it is too late to salvage what was left. Yet another solemn song, it relies on soothing piano to aid the melancholy of the lyrics: “Where I'll be balled up crying / After all of that running around / You didn't even notice / I was letting you down”.
Combining the album's most prevalent themes, control, idolism, and vulnerability, track 9, 'Walk On Me', positions Jacklin under their partner's control, allowing them to see them at their most vulnerable and do as they like. Admitting that they would feel ashamed if anyone else were to see them, with a striking opening: “Walk on me if you like / Take off your shoes, turn off the light / Don't want anyone else to see / What I let you do to me”.
Closing the album, ‘I Wish’ paints a heartbreaking picture. Forcing you through a difficult situation alone, turning inwards for support, yet wishing someone was around to help guide you. This song draws from downbeat folk inspirations and is a standout for the emotional reaction it demands from listeners. Encapsulating the meaning of the album as a whole but also comes as a revelation of self-value.