Taylor Jules will be with us for many years to come. This is a singer/songwriter with staying power. She’s early in her career, but already exhibiting veteran characteristics and an aesthetic far beyond her years. Her new single “MIA” reveals these traits to anyone paying attention. It doesn’t rely on the latest sonic flavor of the month to ensnare listeners. Producer Marc Swersky, a two-time Grammy award winner, wouldn’t be working with her if she was another vapid pop shooting star. He hears what I hear.
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She can write about the experience of dealing with anxiety and the desire for escape with flair and unforgiving language. Jules also builds a musical vehicle around such subject matter that surrounds the language with entertaining aural strengths. She works with first-class musicians who understand the song’s needs rather than attempting to draw the spotlight onto themselves. Jules’ instincts shape the song to a manageable length rather than biting off more than she can chew. Her instincts for what makes a memorable song serve her well throughout “MIA”.
Writing from such a personal point of view runs risks. If you strike the wrong note, it may be too obscure for everyday listeners to relate. However, Jules avoids that. She writes about her personal experiences with anxiety in such a way that it generalizes her struggles rather than leaving listeners to labor through intensely personal details that may not resonate with them. Language is key. She does not dress those struggles up with pretentious language but instead portrays them with an unfettered focus that never succumbs to heavy-handed imagery.
Swersky’s production talents are a big reason for the song’s success. He threads the various instrumental and vocal strands together into a cohesive whole. His ear for framing songs in the best possible way achieves airy separation between the song’s disparate parts. Swersky naturally focuses most of his production acumen on Jules’ voice without allowing her to overshadow the song’s instrumental strengths.
The accompanying video for “MIA” eschews a big production in favor of an intimate promo clip. It relies on Gabriela Sibilska’s animation and artwork instead of live-action footage, and the creative flow of the video complements the song. It is an unusual promotional clip in the way it dispenses with a plethora of devices and techniques dominating the form, such as jump cuts, yet nonetheless holds the viewer’s attention.
This first in a series of singles forthcoming from Taylor Jules sets the bar high. However, you finish a first hearing of the song sure she can match or surpass its excellence. Multiple listens further underline its strengths. Her unabashed willingness to depict herself in such a vulnerable fashion might make some listeners uncomfortable if it weren’t for the immense artistry she brings to the work. We can expect that artistry to become more refined and continue growing in the future. Taylor Jules is destined for a long and illustrious career that’s just revving up, and where it goes from here is fascinating to consider.
Kim Muncie