Jake Miller flexes…his vocals on urban-pop EP, ‘Overnight’.  Pre-release singles “Overnight” and “Good Thing” expectedly are the crème de la crème.

Success hasn’t been overnight for singer/pop-rapper Jake Miller. Miller is firmly planted in up-and-coming status. He’s searching for success on EP Overnight.  The buff Miller showcases more than muscles on Overnight.  Miller aims for pop superstardom.

Overnight

“Over Night” and “Good Thing”  

https://youtu.be/nDGdIjpjNtA

“I know sometimes you wanna go and give up / you know we only argue when I’m f*cked up / so maybe we should try to kiss and make up”

Title track “Overnight” kicks off the EP capably. A singing Miller takes his vocal talent “to the next level.” With an awesome canvas to paint on (the urban-pop production is epic), “Overnight” suits Miller.  Although predictable thematically – a fading relationship – the end results are effective.  The chorus is the crème de la crème.

“They say change takes time / but baby, we can fix it overnight / if you let me try / then maybe we can fix it overnight, overnight / oh, overnight”

 Follow-up “Good Thing,” keeps the momentum afloat, with equally successful results. The record gives Miller another smooth urban-pop infused joint. Danceable, with a contemporary R&B groove, he’s clearly “in step” with his pop male colleagues. Once more, the chorus is catchy, clearly “pop gold.”  Miller is overloaded on swagger, only strengthening his package as an artist.  So far, Overnight is a good look for him. 

“Parade”

“Parade” continues in a similar direction as “Overnight” and “Good Thing.” Production effects run rampant – perhaps too rampant.  It’s clear early on “Parade” is a shade less thrilling than the pre-release singles preceding it.  Still, the rhythmic guitar-fueled record is pleasant, if lightweight.

“Could’ve Been Me” gets through some sh*t literally…

“This love’s one-sided / and I’m undecided if it’s working / sh*t ain’t working / and I’m in too deep / up sh*t’s creek…”

Miller seems to illustrate both love’s reward and its pains.  The message is quite accessible, as well as being cliché.  It won’t “shock the world,” but should please fans and some casual listeners.  After all, how many times has love “damn near drove” anyone crazy?

“Superhuman” initiates with mean sounding synths…and an f-bomb (“F*cking with the rules of gravity”).  Despite flirtations with a minor key and toughness, “Superhuman” is relatively light.  Tackling escapism, Miller looks to transcend merely being a mortal. It’s far-fetched but enjoyable. He relates his desired superhuman qualities to love, a prevalent theme of Overnight.

“I wish I was superhuman, I wish I was ten feet tall / I wanna be cold like you / when you act so cool and you don’t care at all / I wish I was superhuman, I wanna have strength like God / I wouldn’t feel no heartbreak / I would kiss that pain so it don’t hurt at all.” 

“Tell Me You Love It”

“Tell Me You Love It” amplifies the funk – a welcome contrast.  Couple the funk with Miller’s swagger, and it’s a relationship made in heaven.  Perhaps it’s not worthy of heaven, considering Miller asks on the bridge, “Hey is it love, is it lust that we fucking, baby?” The harmonic scheme on the bridge is jazzy – clearly #winning.  Mid-tempo contemporary R&B ballad “Astronaut” concludes soundly, though not epically.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Overnight (EP) is enjoyable.  It showcases Miller in a positive light, with the former pop-rapper embracing pop full-throttle. Respectable through and through, the songs could use more depth and distinction.  Pop music thrives in simplicity, but aiming for transcendence and a greater degree of uniqueness might give Jake Miller an edge over the competition. Regardless, good EP.

Gems: “Overnight,” “Good Thing” & “Tell Me You Love It”  

Jake Miller • Overnight (EP) • Warner Bros. • Release: 8.19.16

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.