Jacob Whitesides, Open Book | Track Review 🎵

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After compelling with singles “Focus” and “Lovesick,” Teen pop musician Jacob Whitesides shines one more on a third single, “Open Book.” Likely, “Open Book” serves as the final sneak peek of debut album Why?, which arrives Friday, September 9 via Double U.

“Open Book” features beautiful production work.  Overall, it makes nice use of piano, synths, guitar, guitar.  Additionally, the vocal production is exceptional. Whitesides’ vocals sound terrific, blending soundly within the total production.  Besides his lead vocals, layered vocals increase the depth of sound within this recording.

The groove switches from slightly unsettled and slower paced to a fiery, danceable one.  At first, this stark contrast sounds odd, but as “Open Book” progresses, it settles in.  Beyond the groove, the melody line sung by Whitesides is terrific.  There is superb contrast during the bridge section, specifically use of effects-laden vocals.  These vocals amplify the separation from the rest of the parts of the song.  Expectedly, “Open Book” features a catchy hook:

“I’m an open book”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Open Book” is another terrific single from Whitesides ahead of the release of his independently issued debut album, Why? Vocally, he sounds fantastic, supported by superb vocal production.  The overall palette of sounds and production work is top-notch.  While the change of grooves sounds a bit clunky at first, it settles in and works soundly.  Very good performance and song, overall.

Jacob Whitesides • Why? • Double U • Release: 9.9.16

Photo Credit: Double U