Jeremy Zucker, Crusher | Album Review 💿

New Jersey pop singer/songwriter Jeremy Zucker delivers the goods on his tight, 12-track sophomore album, Crusher.

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ou’ve got to love it when a musician wears his heart on his sleeve.  That’s exactly what New Jersey pop artist 🎙 Jeremy Zucker does.  The handsome, 25-year-old brings plenty to the table, serving up thoughtful songwriting and vocals to die for. His debut album, 💿 love is not dying, arrived in April 2020 – the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  His sophomore album, 💿 Crusher, arrives just shy of a year-and-a-half later.  The results are positive – engaging and well-rounded from start to finish. 

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“i-70”

“It’s hard to define / The way I feel when everything’s fine / Cause most of the time, shit sucks,” Jeremy Zucker asserts at the end of the first verse on ✅ 🎵 “i-70.”  A tone setting opener, Zucker takes an endless road trip on Interstate 70 with the purpose to get away, and perhaps, clear his head.  Zucker, of course, isn’t from the Midwest, where I-70 runs, but judging by the chorus on this fine opener, “Doesn’t matter where I go / It’s the best I’ll ever know.” On ✅ 🎵 “Deep end,” Zucker also seeks an escape from his own mind.  “Ten steps to see the sky / Two flights of stairs,” he sings on the second verse, continuing, “It’s the only time I can clear my mind.” He’s incredibly passionate on the chorus as he confirms his mental struggles, ultimately suggesting, “It’s not my year / I’ll disappear / To anywhere but here.” Clearly, both “i-70” and “Deep end” are related, kicking Crusher off superbly. 

On another emotional number, 🎵 “Cry with you,” Jeremy offers himself as a shoulder to lean on. This thoughtful record, again dabbling in mental health, is based on an experience Zucker had with one of his friends.  Knowing that there’s a personal connection on this record only amplifies the authenticity.  As always, Zucker sings beautifully, and the production is well-rounded.  The best section of the song besides the chorus is the bridge: “I can’t get it out of my head / Life’s a bitch, pretty soon we’ll be dead / I’m disassociating right now / Take my hand and we’ll figure it out.” Three for three on Crusher.   

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“I Can’t look at you”

“That you’d play me for a fucking fool / I’m not in the mood / Now I can’t look at you.” The Jersey boy loves his f-bombs, doesn’t he? Matters of the heart fuel another awesome Crusher joint, ✅ 🎵 “I Can’t look at you.”  An ex incites a strong reaction from Jeremy, who ultimately can’t even look her.  Clearly, she had her fair share of demons, and lied to him.  It’s left a sour taste in his mouth.  Thankfully, his pain is our pleasure.  On follow-up 🎵 “When I’m around,” a degree of negativity and pessimism remain firmly intact.  According to the singer/songwriter, she’s not the same when she’s around him. “I swear you just don’t like me,” he sings on the first verse, later inquiring, “Do I ruin everything for you, my love? Everything.”

Crusher continues to ‘give excellence’ on the short but sweet ✅ 🎵 “Therapist.” Essentially, Jeremy Zucker is overwhelmed by his girlfriend’s issues.  Because things are so heavy, it’s driving him a way and basically, affecting his own mental health. The best section of this magnificent song is the chorus, intact with another one of those signature Zucker bombs:

“Alright, fuck up my life
Lie to my face, kiss me goodnight
I swear you know I can’t handle this
Maybe you should call your therapist.”

All in all, “Therapist” is thoughtfully penned and well produced.

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“Sex & Cigarettes”

Drugs have been a serious problem for Zucker’s girlfriend on 🎵 “Sex & Cigarettes.”  Repeatedly, he emphasizes she’s cleaning herself up, opting for sex and cigarettes, a better, though still, harmful replacement for other drugs.  So, where does this leave Jeremy? As we’ve heard before, he seems a bit overwhelmed by the relationship. He clearly loves her, and acknowledges the work she’s put in, but still has concerns.

“Use to be kind now you’re out of your goddamn mind / I used to be patient / But now, I’m just vacant.” Damn, J.Z. feels ‘some type of way’ on the best song gracing Crusher, ✅ 🎵 “Honest”. Zucker sings with a marvelous tone on “Honest.” Boding well in his favor is the fact he has a tuneful melody to work with as well as more emotionally charged songwriting.  He shows more poises on the verses, while ‘shocking the world’ on the chorus, showcases assertiveness like no other with two potent f-bombs!

“I was so sentimental
And you came for my head
We were both on the brink
I was holding my breath
You were so fucking twisted
And it’s hard to be indifferent
When I know...”

During the chorus, in addition to his gargantuan vocals, I love the presence of the acoustic guitars. On the bright, memorable ✅ 🎵 “18,” Zucker enjoys a relationship with an older girl – the fantasy of so many guys! In this case, the age difference is two years – 16 and 18 – but his girlfriend is in college and he’s still in high school.  As you’d expect, Jeremey sings about how advanced she is, how their schedules don’t align, how he must lie to his folks, and of course, the fun that goes down. Honestly, this is a nice change of pace following the emotional nature of Crusher.  “18” is also the perfect follow-up to “Honest.”  

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“Sociopath”

Zucker’s radiant voice shines on 🎵 “Sociopath” featuring 🎙 keshi.  Furthermore, keshi is a vibe in his own right – beautiful and heartfelt.  Even if the subject of sociopathy isn’t positive, Jeremy and keshi make a formidable team, selling the emotions masterfully. “So, if you ask me / How I’ve been / I’m ready to lie,” Zucker sings on the chorus, supporting this notion this person is indeed, “A grade-A sociopath.” Gotta love his honesty on the penultimate number, 🎵 “Don’t come over, I’m an asshole.” Interestingly, while he’s an asshole in a couple of instances, she’s the asshole by the end:

“Don’t come over, I’m not even dressed yet
Yeah, I get you’re bored, just gut me a little more
You’re such an asshole, it’s kind of insane that you’d threaten me
Fuck the doctors, no one can stop you now.”  

Fittingly, Crusher concludes with ✅ 🎵 “No one hates you (like I do)” – charming.  Clearly, Jeremy Zucker is over the relationship and putting it behind him.  “Conscience is clear / Haven’t regretted shit in years,” he sings on the second verse, adding, “Nothing can hurt me, anymore.” With no shortage of strength, he sings on the epic chorus, “But I wanna be kind / With this attitude / So no one hates you like I do, so rest assured / I’m never coming back to you.” Woo!

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Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, Jeremy Zucker ‘brings the heat’ on his sophomore album, Crusher.  He sings fabulously, never forcing things, yet always sounds invested and potent.  The songwriting is authentic, honestly capturing his feelings and thoughts, particularly where a difficult relationship is concerned.  The production feels right too, incorporating acoustic and slightly more electronic moments.  Crusher may be short, but it’s sho is sweet!

✅ Gems 💎: “i-70,” “Deep end,” “I can’t look at you,” “Therapist,” “Honest,” “18” & “No one hates you (like I do)”

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🎙 Jeremy Zucker • 💿 Crusher • 🏷 Republic • 🗓 10.1.21
[📷: Republic]

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