Jake Miller, The Road Less Traveled | Album Review 💿

Up-and-coming, 20-year-old, Florida hip-hop/pop artist Jake Miller shines on EP, The Road Less Traveled.

Jake Miller is an up-and-coming hip-hop/pop artist from Weston, Florida who plays multiple instruments, signed to independent music powerhouse, eOne.  The 20-year-old’s latest effort,  The Road Less Traveled (EP) was released April 9, 2013.  The Road Less Traveled is quite enjoyable thanks to pop-rap and crossover appeal. Here’s a little rundown of the effort’s six tracks.

“Let You Go”

The opener,  screams ‘hit,’ embracing a catchy, pop-sensible hook, solid, balanced, crossover-minded production, and a solid flow. Perhaps a bit schmaltzy, it’s appealing schmaltz that’s easygoing.

“I won’t ever let you go
You ain’t gotta worry about a thing every single day
I’mma let you know you
Ooh baby can’t you see you’re the one for me.”

“Glow,” may not pop as much, but Gene Noble gives Miller a nice lift on another sensational pop hook.  The production continues with urban-pop crossover flare, while Miller’s rhymes sound as breezy as a Florida beach. “Glow” features excellent drum programming, bright synths, and everything is crisp and clean.

“A Million Lives”

“A Million Lives” is a standout for sure. It’s laden with substance, something so much of today’s music throws aside in favor of  sex and drugs.  Instead of going ‘small,’ Miller goes ‘big’ with the topic of cancer.  He sums up this meaningful number on a clever hook that manages to be easygoing as well:

“I’ve met a million people, been a million places
Shook a million hands
Seen a million faces…
No haven’t made a million but I’ve touched a million lives.”

Miller continues to impress on “Goodbye,” rapping over animated hip-hop drum programming and getting a lift from a nuanced Britney Holmes.

“Goodbye to the memories
Goodbye to the dream.”

Miller is thoughtful once more on “Steven,” taking on the topic of bullying and pondering suicide because of it.  Hook-less, this is a juggernaut that the MC absolutely slaughters.  Miller goes soft on the closing cut, “See Ya Soon,” telling his lover, “Baby, I can’t wait to come home to you.” He balances the singing and rapping superbly here, much like the electrifying opener.

Final Thoughts

It’s difficult for new musicians to breakthrough. Hopefully, Jake Miller continues to make a name for himself.  Regardless, the The Road Less Traveled EP is a great listen.

Gems: “Let You Go,”  “A Million Lives” & “Steven” 

Jake Miller • The Road Less Traveled EP • eOne • Release Date: 4.9.13

Photo Credit: eOne