Jerrod Azaad – Hurricane (2022)
Through the psychedelic pop of ‘Hurricane’, Jerrod Azaad drops us into the unpredictable nature of a toxic relationship. The ups and downs of the single mimic the emotional rollercoaster of a toxic relationship, as the couple moves from the verge of breaking up to the happiness of the first days. Packing the highs of the relationship with whimsical harmonies, the lows shine with melancholy.
Drawing on his own experience in a toxic relationship, there is a personal touch to the emotions of the track. A soul-pop performer, Azaad started his musical career singing in small bars in Raleigh and Greensboro before heading to larger venues. With his emotive blend of music, he has been gaining a lot of attention and was an opener for the Art of Cool Festival in Durham, NC.
A rather whimsical, yet dreamy, touch opens ‘Hurricane’ to bring you into the softness of the highs of a relationship. There is a touch of psychedelia to the opening whimsy that adds a little something to the movement. The moving drums that fill the lower level let you know that there is something a little darker waiting just below the surface. It is a great melody that starts the rollercoaster of the single and helps the vocals reach the highs and the lows of a toxic relationship. While you feel the first touches of the cycle of the track, the melody keeps you hooked to the sound, much like those in a toxic relationship remain through the turbulence. The higher tones of the melody are a sparkling light that seems to tease you with all the good things, while the darker beats are a constant reminder of the bad. The guitar line that enters later in the track is a wonderful new addition that brings an almost contemplative feeling to the single as it heads into the closing, with the relationship status still in the air.
As you are riding the high of the opening, Azaad’s vocals bring the sobering drop of melancholy. His voice is all smooth RnB that slices through the middle of the melody. Through the lyrics, he turns your attention to the good times, but tempers this with the craziness that comes with the downward spiral. The chorus takes these feelings to a new level as he compares the other person in the relationship to a hurricane. The following falsetto is fantastic and really shows his range which is quite impressive. Through the single, he brings an infusion of emotion that offers a great insight into complicated situations.
Psychedelic, nuanced and a rollercoaster of emotion, ‘Hurricane’ by Jerrod Azaad has you falling into the chaotic cycle of complicated and toxic relationships. While the melody has a whimsical upper layer, the darker beats let you know that something deeper is at play. Azaad’s vocals are fantastic as he brings the emotions of the song to life, while showing off his impressive vocal range with clear falsettos.
Find out more about Jerrod Azaad on his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
