Jacko Hooper – This Was The Earth (2021)
Known for his soaring melodies with reflective lyricism, Jacko Hooper is one of the more intimate and introspective acts in the UK. Based in Brighton, the singer-songwriter melds pop, indie-rock and folk into his unique sound. Featured on For The Love Of Bands, Indie Music Center, Nexus Music Blog, Talk About Pop Music and many more, Hooper is gathering a following on an international scale. I suppose it helps that he has toured across Europe, performed with James Bay and James Blunt, and is the founder of Folklore Sounds. The latest addition to his critically acclaimed discography is ‘This Was The Earth’.
Jacko Hooper understands the overwhelming effect of simplistic music. ‘This Was The Earth’ has a medley of dynamic drums, guitars accompanying his soulful vocals; however, the steady beat and tone make the hushed melody explosive. Reminiscent of Radiohead with a tinge of Oasis, the singer-songwriter adds sophistication to the harmonic tune. Yet, while there is a wistful ambience, it is the lyrical content that illustrates his depth.
Typically drawing inspiration from personal experiences, Hooper engages with listeners in a heartfelt way. Looking at the events of the past 12 months, ‘This Was The Earth’ has a nostalgic melancholy in the poetic lyricism but there is so much more to it. The personal narrative strikes one as haunting with Hooper sharing a story of mental health battles, the harrowing turn for the worse, and the feelings of hopelessness, insecurity and numbness. Yet, as he tells us his tale he does not focus on putting his own thoughts across but aims for individual interpretations of the music.
“I don’tfeel that the original story of why I wrote the song is necessarily the most important thing. I think the fact people can listen to it and all of a sudden it becomes a different story with a totally different meaning is the best thing of all. To be able to connect to it people need it to be their story, not mine.” – Jacko Hooper on ‘This Was The Earth’
The lyricism may be compelling with his intention of “feeling the music”, but it is the melody that truly makes it one’s own. Finding the line between indifference and ethereal otherworldliness, Hooper leaves you gasping for breath with this soul-stirring single.
For more from Jacko Hooper check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
