JVKE Falls in and Out of Love in Debut Album ‘this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4)’
JVKE's debut album, this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4), is everything we could have hoped for and more. The breakout artist does what he does best over the course of twelve tracks—ushering forth a range of emotions with his genius musical mind detailing the life cycle of a relationship from start to finish.
this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4) opens with the previously-released and insanely viral "this is what falling in love feels like." The track is harmonious, vibrant, mesmerizing, and endlessly endearing, buoyed by a music video that is equally light-hearted, magical, and tenderly heartwarming. The record then transitions to the epic declaration of love, "moon and back." JVKE wastes no time letting his love interest know that he always will be there for them and that he'll love them "to the moon and back."
The album spirals through the emotional journey of falling in love, ensuing heartbreak and sadness, and falling out of love, all while JVKE keeps his vocals bare and meaningful while experimenting with different styles, samples, and instrumentations, giving each song its unique sound and space. The production is colorful and abstract, perfectly matching what each track feels like. A prime example is the artist's other single, "golden hour," a classic love ballad that exudes feelings of romance and beauty. JVKE's soul-touching vocals and bright, almost operatic production weave through tender lyrics like, "I was all alone with the love of my life / She's got glitter for ski n/ My radiant beam in the night / I don't need no light to see you."
Other standout tracks from the twelve-track project include the heartbreaking "i'm not okay." It smoothly transitions from slow piano riffs to a faster, more aggressive beat, sonically portraying a protagonist who, as the title suggests, is falling apart. JVKE also experiments with modern, hip-hop-inspired production in "ghost town" and "wonder if she loves me." The record ends with the reverb-filled and climatic "i can't help it." Opening by paying homage to Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love," the song soon launches into symphonic soundscapes and dynamic, layered vocals. The song feels raw and sees JVKE opening themselves back up to the possibility of falling in love after his emotionally turbulent journey.
Although this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4) is JVKE's full-length project debut, according to the artist in both press statements and Instagram announcements, it may also be his last. this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4) is nothing short of an ambitious and innovative body of work. Carefully divided into four distinct segments that tell a full-circle love story that blossoms in JVKE's infusion of classical, hip-hop, electronic, and alternative pop. But, of course, it goes without saying that the Rhode Island native is full of surprises, and this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4) is just the beginning of whatever JVKE has in store for listeners.
Listen to JVKE's debut, and potentially final album, this is what ___ feels like (Vol. 1-4), below:
