Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Jacob Collier, Witness Me [📷: Hajanga / Interscope / Decca]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.

Jacob Collier, Djesse, Vol. 4 [📷: Hajanga / Interscope / Decca]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 💪.

4 out of 5 stars


🎙 Jacob Collier • 🎵 “Witness Me” • 🏷 Hajanga / Interscope / Decca • 🗓 11.21.23

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

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.