Jesca Hoop albums

2017

MEMORIES ARE NOW – 91%

Jesca Hoop is one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the decade for sure with about 7 albums to her name so far. Hoop's unique, stripped down style is one for the ages, taking a disjointed sound and atmosphere and making it sound very nurturing and immediate as well. "Animal Kingdom Chaotic" is a great tale of technology versus our own brains, told in a nonsensical style. "The Lost Sky" and the aptly titled “Simon Says” recalls Paul Simon is a couple of ways: the former with its mysterious aura and haunting lyrics, the latter having a playful quality like its from another Victorian era all together. The title track “Memories are Now” sets up the template for odd time signatures and catchy choruses and "Cut Connection" is an instant classic of folk music with an airy melody that stays in your head for days.

            The second side of the record is a little more of an acquired taste, but no less entertaining once odd tales such as "Unsaid" and "Pegasi" are absorbed into the psyche, the latter is perhaps her prettiest song. Closer “The Coming” encapsulates the entire record, playing like a dirge from down below and making us want even more. Her tunes are unpredictable but very endearing. Jesca has the ability to pull you into her world, as her sound is that of angst portrayed in an often jarring contrast to the minimal acoustic counterpart. The best tunes rival that of Joni Mitchell and Joana Newsom. This is her most successful album so far, though her collaboration with Iron and Wine “Every Songbird Says” from 2016 is probably her catchiest song. Hoop’s is a female voice that blows all her male counterparts away, though at times it’s merely a whisper.

Best Songs: Cut Connection, Memories are Now, The Lost Sky, Animal Kingdom Chaotic

2019

Stonechild – 85%

2021

The Deconstruction of Jack’s House - 80%