"Bridge over Troubled Water" Released: 22 February 2024
Djesse Vol. 4 is the fifth studio album by English musician Jacob Collier, released on 29 February 2024.[1] The album is the fourth and final instalment in the Djesse series, which began in 2018 with Djesse Vol. 1.[2]
Jacob Collier first become known for publishing arrangements of popular songs on YouTube in which he performed multiple instruments and layered vocal harmonies.[3] American record producer Quincy Jones contacted Collier after the release of his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing" (1974) in 2013, eventually assuming management of his career. Collier recorded and produced his debut album In My Room (2016) independently. The album was met with a positive reception, including two Grammy Awards.[4]NPR's Ari Shapiro describes Djesse Vol. 4 as the "culmination" of the four-album series starting with Djesse Vol. 1 (2018).[5]
Promotion and singles
"Never Gonna Be Alone," featuring Lizzy McAlpine and John Mayer, was released on 10 June 2022; it was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals.[6] The song was later revealed to be the first single off Collier's upcoming project Djesse Vol. 4.[1]
"Wellll", the second single, was released on July 14, 2023, alongside a music video featuring Collier on a custom five-string electric guitar.[7] "Little Blue," featuring Brandi Carlile, the third single, was released on September 21, 2023, with its music video.[2][8] The fourth single, "Wherever I Go", features Lawrence and Michael McDonald and was released on 27 October 2023.[9] The fifth single, "Witness Me", was released on 21 November 2023 and features Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, and Kirk Franklin.[10]
Two new singles were released in early 2024. The sixth single, "Mi Corazón", featuring Camilo, was released on 19 January 2024.[11] The final single, "Bridge over Troubled Water", featuring vocals by John Legend and Tori Kelly, was released on 22 February. It is a cover of the song of the same name by Simon & Garfunkel, and features uncredited vocals from Yebba.[12]
Tour
Collier has announced a North American tour to promote the album, which will be playing[needs update] from April to June 2024.[13]
Reception
Sputnikmusic reported that Djesse Vol. 4 had received unusually divided reactions from audiences; while some listeners applauded the musical proficiency displayed on the work, others shared feelings of "visceral disgust".[14] A Times reviewer commented on the talent Collier shows by combining several genres on the record, but felt that it "begins to feel like showing off" and loses its "charm" through excess.[15]The Observer's Ammar Kalia also noted the wide range of genres represented on the album. Though he felt the dense production could overwhelm many listeners, Kalia found the record "invigorating and irrepressible".[16]
Track listing
All tracks are written and produced by Jacob Collier, except where noted.
David Peijnenborgh, Denis Koenders, Ewa Zbyszynska, Jasper van Rosmalen, Kilian van Rooij, Leonid Nikishin, Merel Jonker, Pauline Terlouw, Ruben Margarita, Sarah Koch, Thomas Gould, Vera Laporeva, Willem Kok, Xaquín Carro Cribeiro – violin
Alex Welch, Isabella Petersen, Julia Jowett, Mieke Honingh, Wouter Huizinga – viola