Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Jesus Alone | Track Review

“Jesus Alone,” the promo single for Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Skeleton Tree, ranks among the most enigmatic, darkest records of 2016.

Alternative collective Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds return with single “Jesus Alone.” “Jesus Alone” serves as the promo single for the band’s newest album, Skeleton Tree, due September 9.  Skeleton Tree arrives three years after the exceptional Push the Sky Away.  But this isn’t about albums, but rather, about Jesus…alone…

“Jesus Alone” is mysterious sounding from the start; it definitely captures the listener’s attention. Featuring sound production work, it incorporates synths, piano chords, strings, drums, and more. Nick Cave’s haunting spoken word vocals are expectedly an enigma – the listener sits on the edge of their seat, without question.  The chorus is gorgeous, reverent, and thoughtful:

“With my voice
I am calling you.”

As the song progresses, the chorus adds vocals harmonies, further amplifying the magnificence. Throughout its course, there are many notable lyrics, including the following:

“You’re a young man waking
Covered in blood that is not yours
You’re a woman in a yellow dress
Surrounded by a charm of hummingbirds.”

The lyrics and the extension beyond the aforementioned, paint something of a damning, perhaps even sinful, picture.  According to Rolling Stone, “Jesus Alone” was written following the death of Cave’s son in 2015.  

Final Thoughts 

“Jesus Alone” is as eerie as hell, even as Nick Cave calls upon Jesus – is that a blasphemous observation? This track is unsettling, yet absolutely gorgeous at the same time.  Nick Cave continues to be a savvy, creative musical force, and “Jesus Alone” proves no different. Still, this is easily one of the darker tracks of 2016.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds • Skeleton Tree • Bad Seed Ltd • Release: 9.9.16

Photo Credit: Bad Seed Ltd