Full album review: Jeremy Couture brings warmth and passion in the "The Mess We Made"

Jeremy Couture’s new album “The Mess We Made” brings a wave of different emotions with its tender and intimate lyrics. Its warmth and passion produced a sound that reflects a combination of the acoustic coffee shop-style genre with a more subtle blues-jazz style.

The album began with ‘Just Call Me’ — featuring an acoustic guitar and rich emotive vocals, paired with raw and sorrowful lyrics — a safe choice for an introduction song. Though simple, it was enticing and infectious, drawing in his listeners to want more.

‘Lullaby’ was originally released with a music video that encompassed stunning cinematic qualities. The varying instruments - acoustic guitar, cello, drums and trumpet - were well-balanced with the softness of Couture’s vocals, creating a sound of serenity, as it led into ‘All That I Want’ — an upbeat, catchy, breezy tune that complements the more mellow and somberesque tracks. More than half a minute of fast-paced, brilliant instrumentals takes place before Couture joins with sharp vocals and perhaps the most captivating lyrics of the entire album with its repetitiveve and snappy bridge and chorus.

In ‘Stoned,’ Couture’s inspiration by John Mayer is emphasized in the drum’s tempo, the electric guitar’s refined, shimmery tone, and Couture’s sultry, smooth voice. Its soft, blues rock-type rhythm perfectly contrasts the following ‘I Remember'.’ Its beautiful, delicate piano arrangement and Couture’s prim falsetto pushed this to be the outlier that stood out and — convenient to its name — the most memorable song of the album.

With a brief acoustic opening, Couture showcases his voice in ‘Break,’ as the album re-enters into more refined vocals, and emphasizes his impeccable ability to harmonize with himself as both the lead and backing vocals.

The album ends with 'In Love’ — the perfect ending to demonstrate how Couture overcame his past and regained himself after a heartbreak. It was easy to root Couture on in this track, after songs of hurt and sorrow. The sound of strength could be heard all around — in the instruments, the vocals, the lyrics — leaving listeners with a message of hope.

Couture was joined by Dustin Pedigo on bass; Harvey Garza, Aaron Smith and Matt Wimberly on drums; Jesus Fuentes at the keys; Jacob Nalle on the electric guitar and Nic Shute with the trumpet.

“The Mess We Made” by Jeremy Couture can be found on all streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Music.

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