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Album Review: ‘Changes’ By VJ Jaxson

Soph Johnson
Singer VJ Jaxson stands onstage with a curtain and a shadow behind him.

Sophie Johnson

If you’re a fan of Juice Wrld, Kid Laroi, or Lil Peep, you should check out VJ Jaxson’s new album, Changes.

Dublin-born VJ Jaxson has released his long-awaited second album Changes, offering a reflective and playful selection of songs. Beginning his music journey as the lead vocalist of a choir, he has now become a multi-instrumentalist known primarily for his emo rap.

This seven-track record focuses on his desire to become a better version of himself while reflecting on the man he is today. He has described the album as “an introduction, to my world, to my mind”, and many critics have praised the artist’s ability to blend genres and create his own sound.

“He stays focused on sharing his talents with the world and leaving a mark on the music scene”

With this album, VJ Jaxson has established himself as an influential artist with a lot of determination. He stays focused on sharing his talents with the world and leaving a mark on the music scene, whilst still maintaining individuality and creating his own sound.

Production and Release

This album is filled with raw and down-to-earth vocals, with music inspired by a blend of hip-hop, rock, and R&B. These aspects merge together to create a soundscape with heartfelt lyrics and infectious beats. Jaxson has made his mark across multiple genres.

Released on August 25th, the EP was an immediate success amongst both listeners and critics alike. The Irish music magazine Hotpress promoted the album as “one of the new Irish songs to hear this wee”, and praised the titular track as catchy, with an “upbeat tempo and emotional core”.

The Tracks

‘Metamorphosis’ serves as a confident opener to the album, firmly establishing its themes of change and progression.

“He sings of belief in his own potential”

The second track is the anthemic lead single ‘Waiting On The Day’, released before the album’s launch. This track focuses on Jaxson’s day-to-day struggles, and the resilience required to keep moving forward. He sings of belief in his own potential and inspires the listeners to overcome any obstacles preventing them from fulfilling their dreams. According to Earmilk, this song offers us a “soulful glimpse of the emotionally charged EP”.

Transitioning into ‘No Problem’, this optimistic track tells a tale of a bond between two people that cannot be broken, despite any challenges that come their way. This leads us to the titular song ‘Changes’. Channeling the spirit of the album through talented lyricism, it also delivers messages of vulnerability and resilience.

“Personally, this song struck a chord”

Next, we have my favourite track on the album, ‘No Friend in the Wild‘. This song speaks of disappointment, betrayal, and the ending of a close friendship. Personally, this song struck a chord, but in a comfortingly relatable and emotional way. The lyrics speak of the moment you realise someone isn’t who you once believed them to be, and the subsequent, painful process of letting them go.

Lastly, we have ‘Cold Water’, followed by the heartfelt ‘Michigan’, paying homage to Jaxson’s late grandmother. These songs made me incredibly emotional. The lyrics capture the universal experience of loss and the intergenerational bonds that tie us all together. Overall, this album encapsulates the complexities of trust and loyalty, while reminding us of the power that self-reflection and positive relationships can hold. In other words, it feels very human.

Audience Reception

“VJ Jaxson’s singular gritty sound comes to the fore”

With many critics praising his debut album, Jaxson’s newest release lives up to audience expectations. According to The Last Mixed Tape, through “melding indie and hip-hop, VJ Jaxson’s singular gritty sound comes to the fore”.  They also comment on the creativity of this EP, highlighting what we can expect from Jaxson in the future.

In my opinion, Jaxson has set himself up for a career spanning many genres, offering soulful melodies. With his unparalleled confidence, I imagine he will take the music industry by storm. I am excited to see what comes next, and the direction his music will take in the future.

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Featured image courtesy of VJ Jaxson PR team. Photography by Owen Behan. No changes were made to this image.

Soph is a self-proclaimed musicophile, hot chocolate connoisseur, and a sort-of polyglot. She is also an avid lover of film photography, movies, and books.

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