Jenn Bostic - Revival

Although we’d like to think we’re on the ball and have our finger on the pulse of what’s happening musically, with everyone capable of getting music out to the masses these days, it’s inevitable that many worthy artists pass us by. Six years ago, quite by chance, this writer came across a song titled ‘Jealous of the Angels’ by Jenn Bostic. At the time I knew nothing of this artist or her music. I bought the album that the song was featured on (‘Jealous’), and while it was an impressive set of songs nothing touched me like that track. It was an impossible task to be honest. ‘Jealous of the Angels’ dealt with the loss of a loved one, in Jenn’s case her father, and it touched this writer just as deeply as it touched the other three million plus viewers that the video to accompany the song has reached on YouTube. Having such a powerful, affecting song as the centrepiece of the album probably clouded my view of ‘Jealous’; there was simply nothing else there that got close. Since then Jenn released a further album in 2015 (‘Faithful’) and collected a handful of awards usually associated within the country music network. Jenn now returns with her fourth album, ‘Revival’, which was produced by six-time Grammy ward winner Paul Salveson at House of Blues in Nashville, Tennessee. ‘Revival’ is a collection of a dozen songs all of which were co-written by Jenn bar one that is a solo composition. The album kicks off literally with ‘Wrong Thing’, a blues-hued stomper that finds Jenn rocking out in a way that will surprise those who only know the singer-songwriter from her most famous song. The band that back Jenn throughout the album are on fine form. The scorching guitar from Bart Walker (who co-wrote this song) is a highlight of this opening cut and the rhythm section is so tight you’d be surprised if these guys haven’t been playing together for years. Special mention also should go to keyboardist Michael Whittaker who shines throughout. The following song, ‘Haunting Me’, again has blues leanings but this time is flavoured with gospel and soul with a little funk thrown in for good measure. While Jenn has, even in the early days, proven that she is a powerful vocalist, this opening brace of songs which see her expanding her sound some feature some of her most confident and expressive vocals she’s yet released. ‘Hollywood’ finds Jenn declaring that she doesn’t want or need the life of a Hollywood star, but there’s no denying that if this song (think of Miley’s ‘Party in the USA’) gained a few spins on the radio it would raise Jenn’s profile massively. While arguably the popiest song on offer on ‘Revival’ and the one that has the most immediate impact, there are songs here that have much more depth and that will stay with the listener long after the appeal of ‘Hollywood’ has faded. ‘Lonely’ is one such song; again this ballad has a blues-lite vibe about it and this cheating song really showcases what a powerful vocalist Jenn is. With less backing than the previous songs the track gives Jenn’s voice centre stage and also the space to show just how emotive a singer Jenn is. It’s a stunning vocal performance. ‘Follow Your Own Star’ is Jenn’s take on rock; it’s a song about being yourself and having faith, again the band are solid making this yet another little gem. ‘Faint of Heart’ is the song that Jenn wrote alone and is possibly autobiographical. Accompanied by just her own piano, and Larissa Maestro’s cello coming at the halfway mark, it’s the centerpiece of the album despite its starkness. “Maybe I’m too old to be a pop star/ Maybe I’m too young to be wise/Maybe I don’t fit into the box they want to put me in ‘cause I refuse to compromise”…” “And I swear I’ve held my husband back/Say that when I sign a deal we’ll finally start a family” it’s Jenn laying herself bare and when she does that in song she touches the hardest of hearts. For all the country music associations that Jenn’s music has attracted through the years, and despite already committing over the course of four albums more great music than many artists could hope for over a whole career, one feels that this album is Jenn doing it her way and finally finding the voice and vision she was aiming for from the beginning. It’s an honest set of songs. Although it finds her moving her boundaries musically, Jenn can still touch hearts with her lyrics and the diversity of styles covered over the course of the album ensures that there’s always something new to discover and will make the album stand the test of time. The album closes with the title track and it’s going to prove to be Jenn’s calling card. While it won’t replace the song that introduced so many to Jenn Bostic six years ago as their all-time favourite from this singer. there’s little doubt that those with a beating heart won’t be moved by this gospel-fuelled track. It’s a brilliant way to close the album. Again it’s not just Jenn’s exceptional vocals but the performance from all involved which makes the track so breathtaking. It’s life affirming. Time to dig out her earlier albums and listen to Jenn Bostic with fresh ears maybe; she recorded a song once so powerful, so touching that it put what followed, for some anyway, in the shade. She’s just stepped into the light again with this collection.

Track Listing:-

1 Wrong Thing
2 Haunting Me
3 Hollywood
4 Lonely
5 Follow Your Own Star
6 Faint of Heart
7 Love You
8 Before It Gets Better
9 Gotta Be You
10 Lamp
11 Too Easy
12 Revival