[ALBUM REVIEW] Tobias Jesso Jr.: Goon
An album like Tobias Jesso Jr.’s debut does well to fill my good-faith gauge on the merit of today’s pop music. Goon strolls along like a labyrinth of reflection that touches on life's choppy waters that we've all seen ourselves in. While his seasoned sound evokes the confidence of a vast catalogue, the dude shared his first song, “Just A Dream”, in 2013. That said, his vulnerability can be discomforting from someone you’re just getting acquainted with but the sounds prevail and wrap you in a cozy blanket of heartbreak.
Homely keys carry the album’s weight and usually see pairing with Tobias’ innocent but aching voice. The gushing single “Without You” is delivered in a fashion that could make Elton John blush while “Crocodile Tears” thumps along with it's walking bass line. The slight imperfections of some songs are what makes the album perfect though. On “How Could You Babe” he reaches the fringes of his range in the last chorus which turns desperation knob to eleven and after vocal improv of ooh’s and yeahs on "Bad Words" he pauses to clear his throat before continuing. Considering the takes could have been re-recorded, those nuggets always shine for me.
With the efforts of prized-producers Chet Jr White, Patrick Carney, and Ariel Rechtshaid being forged into one show-stopper of an album, you would have to be a goon not to tune in. It is now available via True Panther Sounds and you can check the man's upcoming tour dates here.