Jacob Collier, Witness Me | Song Review

Jacob Collier collaborates with a star-studded crew comprised of Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, and Kirk Franklin on the uplifting single, “Witness Me.”

“You’re the one that I’ve waited for / I’m holding onto you.” Jacob Collier is a beast.  By beast, I mean, he’s one of the most gifted musicians in the world.  Once again, the Grammy-winning musician is blessing our ears with his genius, this time via “Witness Me”.  On “Witness Me,” he enlists the services Canadian heartthrob Shawn Mendes, British wordsmith, Stormzy, and contemporary gospel legend, Kirk Franklin.  That’s a star-studded cast added to Collier’s own elite musicianship. All parties involved penned this record, with the addition of  Scott Harris.  The result is a warm, feel-good, gospel-infused pop record.

Collier is the first voice heard, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and the chorus.  He sings radiantly, bringing expression to the thoughtful, uplifting lyrics.  “Well, maybe you’re lost then / Maybe you’re far from home,” he sings in the verse, adding, “If you only keep walking / You never will walk alone.” Shawn Mendes also brings excellence in the second verse, second pre-chorus, and the chorus.  His voice remains angelic, as he encourages, “But I believe in you deeply / You know you can lean on me.” As for Stormzy, with his heavy British accent, he kills it too – in the best way possible.  “I know  You’re with them in the storm even though it hard to see.” Yes ! Of course, the chorus is where the bread is buttered, accentuated by churchy, soulful, choral vocals:

“I’m with you (I’m with you)

I’m with you here (I’m with you here)

You’re the light I need (You’re the light I need)

In the dark I see (In the dark I see).”

Once again, Jacob Collier brings the heat . Djesse, Vol. 4 (arriving in 2024), should be fabulous .

Jacob Collier • “Witness Me” • Hajanga / Interscope / Decca • 11.21.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Hajanga / Interscope / Decca; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]