this is how forever will be
July 29, 2009
It’s about time somebody made an album like this. jj n° 2 is sweet, blissful dance pop built on a foundation of world-music percussion, ethereal string / synth samples, and exquisite vocals that floats along as freely as the summer breeze. The fact that this album seemingly was plucked from obscurity to be released on Swedish label, Sincerely Yours, and no one is really sure who made the album (except that they go by the name JJ), makes it ever more enchanting. The songs on here are deceptively simple, and yet seem to incorporate a vast array of musical influences from reggae to electronica, new age to hip-hop. Yet it’s all tied together by the it’s liberal use of samples and sublime, dream-like quality found throughout the album.
The label-approved free download from the album is “from africa to málaga” which is about as instantly-gratifying of a song as they come. The celestial vocal harmonies are perfectly complemented by Caribbean beats and uplifting 80’s-era synths. It’s all so incredibly transcendent and refreshing. My hands down favorite on the album is “masterplan” a pop tour de force with the most exhilarating synth line since M83’s “Graveyard Girl”. The song is lush, triumphant, and exceptionally pretty. In the short time I’ve had the song, it’s been playing non-stop and has quickly jumped up to one of my favorite tracks of the year. Hear both tracks for yourself below and head over to Sincerely Yours for the full album.
MP3 jj – from africa to málaga
MP3 jj- masterplan
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Tags: JJ, Sincerely Yours
Posted by Taylor in Artist Spotlight
I absolutly love it!
content rss
July 30th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Holy hell….I’ve been coming to your site for a long time brother – and I wanted to drop you a quick line. Your musical tastes are SO similar to mine so I know I can count on some new good stuff every tijme I come here…but this…THIS…jj No2…holy sh*t, this is EPIC. I’m in LOVE with this band now. I just grabbed the full album and it is astounding.
Thanks so much for the great review and the great recommendations.
Yours,
Josh!
July 30th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I listened to From Africa to Malaga and I’m sold. That was one of the most enchanting 2 minutes of my life. I didn’t even have to finish the song. In fact, typing this is now delaying me from listening to the rest of the album so I must leave.
August 1st, 2009 at 10:49 am
I think you just became my new favorite music blog. Well, tied for the favoritest! That was absolutely gorgeous. I need more. Whoot!
August 1st, 2009 at 10:52 am
By the way, shouldn’t the first track be things will never be the same again? (According to the name of the mp3 file)
August 1st, 2009 at 11:52 am
Thanks for the good find. I downloaded from emusic right away and love it!
August 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I like when you use the word celestial. I think it’s a a little wave hi to me!
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 am
@Fern: I linked the wrong the track accidentally. Thanks for letting me know.
@Celeste: Yes, it is!