On Oct. 24, singer songwriter, Hannah Jadagu released her sophomore album titled “Describe” and it may just be my favorite this year. This 12 track album has a unique sound that’s different and refreshing from the current music dominating the billboard charts. The album is alternative/indie, with a mix of bedroom pop and electro-pop aspects. It’s addictive, captivating, and raw.
Following her debut album in 2023 titled “Aperture,” Jadagu moved to California for a period of time to write her second album. This change of scenery is captured through her lyrics and the sound of her sophomore album. These tracks immortalized her time away and depict her, presumably, long-distance relationship during this time.
The album opens with “Describe” and “Gimme Time” which do a good job of setting the tone for the rest of the album, as the electronic, trance-like production launch listeners into Jadagu’s inner turmoil. “Describe” in particular has a very distinctive sound with a lot of synth.
“Gimme Time” is definitely a long drive, windows down, and music on full blast type of song. The lyrics “And now I’m waking up and/Just wishing I had you close” confirm the distance between Jadagu and her partner, while also establishing the melancholic undertone of the album.
The next two are arguably the most understated, “More” and “D.I.A.A.” “More” is about her complicated relationship with a partner back in her hometown, and trying to figure out how to balance it with her growing career, while “D.I.A.A.” takes a darker twist. The first line being “empty and cold” highlights the sad tone to this song, which is seen again through the repetition of the line, “I won’t do this again.” This fourth track explores Jadagu’s struggle to cope with pressure and loneliness within her relationships.
Next is “Perfect,” a very short but impactful track. While it may be under two minutes, it packs a punch as it explores the importance of imperfections in relationships. The song could very well be a message to an insecure partner, as it repeatedly states, “I don’t need you to be perfect” and “I don’t need you to deserve this.” It’s a very reflective song that hits you right in the heart.
The next song is track six titled “My Love” and it is my top song from the album. If you’re not dancing around your room to this one, what are you doing? It’s more upbeat than the rest of the album while still delivering relatable and honest lyrics. This love song is about missing someone when you are away from them, cherishing the relationship, and hoping that they feel your affection in your absence.
The next tracks are “Couldn’t Call” and “Tell Me That !!!!” Much like “Perfect,” “Couldn’t Call” is another short and repetitive, reflective track. The lyrics are, unsurprisingly, “Couldn’t call, I couldn’t call, I.” While the lyrics themselves may seem flat, the repetition sears the raw message of regret and lack of communication. “Tell me That !!!!” is another one of my favorites, as the production and instrumentals are up-beat, the kind that make you bop your head in unison.
The next track “Normal Today” feels like falling in love, as it captures the stolen glances, close proximity, and infatuation you have with a new partner. “Doing Now” is set right after, and it is quite the switch, as this track focuses on limited communication in a long-distance relationship, and the complications that arise from that.
“Miracles” is the second-to-last track, and continues the theme of long-distance complications and miscommunication. The lyrics of this song outline Jadagu’s contemplation of the relationship and if it’s truly what’s right for her. This darkened perspective continues into the closing track “Bergamont” as this song captures the end of the relationship, the melancholic production feeling like a walk “through the memories.”
While Jadagu may be singing about her particular situation, struggles of communication, and yearning, these are incredibly relatable. Her writing is raw and straightforward; her lyrics extract an emotional reaction with their honesty, and the production will have you dancing around your bedroom (or crying in fetal position). If you’re looking to expand your music taste, or even looking for your new favorite artist, look no further. I can’t wait to see her grow and, hopefully, launch a tour of her own. As Jadagu expresses, I hope she gets “all of your time.”
