Jade Jackson

“Bottle it up the way you feel right now/Whenever I get lonely gonna drink a little down”. Such is Californian singer-songwriter Jade Jackson’s confessional style – and fair play to her, sometimes there’s nothing like a shot or two of hard liquor to help you through the trials and tribulations of life. Indeed, despite having youth on her side, Jade’s often world-weary lyrics paint a picture of a jaded* soul, with doomed or troubled romances a source of inspiration for much of this record.

‘Wilderness’ (her second album) was produced by Social Distortion main man Mike Ness, and although Jade learns far more towards US country and roots music than punk rock, her seemingly innate sense of melody and forthright delivery must have sparked at least a tinge of envy in Mr Ness when listening to the likes of ‘City Lights’ and ‘Multiple Choice’.

The real highlights, however, are to be found in two of the record’s ballads, ‘Dust’ and ‘Shiver’. Jade’s slightly raw-edged voice really shines through, initially accompanied by little more than a plaintively-strummed acoustic guitar and background organ, and if ever there were songs to soundtrack watching the sun rise after a long, lonely, sleepless night (those damned affairs of the heart, again), these rank among the best of them.

Overall, though, the lasting feeling is one of admiration at Jade’s songwriting skills; to categorise ‘Wilderness’ as just a country record would be to sell it (and her) short. Wherever it may take her, we’d like to come along for the ride.


*Yeah, I know – Jade/jaded. Sorry.