Harmonious vocals and lyricism

Julia Jacklin is back with another release after three years, and Crushing does not disappoint. The album opens on a somewhat ominous note with “Body,” but at the same time, it does a great job of really highlighting the pleasant vocals Jacklin possesses. There is something equally vulnerable and refreshing about the lyrics of the track that gets Crushing off to a good start.

“Pressure to Party” is only two tracks later, but flips the initial vibe on its head with its upbeat nature. Everything about this track screams indie-girl-in-a-movie, but in a way that doesn’t feel like that has been overdone in recent years. The charming nature of this specific track comes from the fact that it kind of sounds like it could be played at a garage band’s show. It is completely different from what Jacklin started with on the opening track, but it allows the listener to see another side of Jacklin’s songwriting abilities.

“Good Guy” starts with some of the best and realest lyricism on the album. Jacklin sings vulnerably, “Tell me I’m the love of your life just for a night / even if you don’t feel it.” There is something about the simplicity of the opening to this track that makes it stand out amongst the others on the album. Every aspect of this track screams simplicity, but it is done so perfectly that it is hard to forget this one.

“Turn Me Down” falls to the wayside a little in the sense that it feels almost too similar to the other slower tracks on the album. That’s not to say that it isn’t good, because it definitely is. Jacklin knows how to write a good slow song, but this one doesn’t seem to have any specific quirk that makes it stand out from the others. With that being said, this track still does a good job of making a solid contribution to the album, especially with the ending building up to end in such a dramatic way.

The album comes to a soft close with the track “Comfort.” Much like the other slow tracks on the album, Jacklin’s vocals and lyricism are put in the spotlight. This time, however, the placement of the track on the album is perfect. It does a great job of tying up everything that is Crushing, and it even leaves the listener feeling as though they went through something with Jacklin right beside them. If Jacklin isn’t on your radar for new artists yet, she definitely should be.