OCTOBER 2008 ONLINE EDITORIALS

Jessica Sonner - All We Need

By Joshua Espinosa

With the release of her album, All We Need, Jessica Sonner has entered the long and distinguished line of female musicians striving to convey the varying facets of love. With her refined blend of country, pop and blues, she exudes a sense of distinctiveness that is rare quality in a genre full of repetitive melodies and predictable hooks.

Sonner’s “every-girl” appeal is conceivably her strongest feature. Employing her golden-toned voice to transmit heartfelt emotions, this Colorado resident has created an album that revels in the universal theme of love. Being sure to avoid any pretentious analogies and cryptically expressed romanticism, All We Need is a delightful output of delicate beauty and captivating honesty.

The album’s title track, “All We Need” is an upbeat melody that serves as the perfect preamble for the following songs. The polished track shines with an effervescent chorus that is executed by the sweet country curve of Sonner’s voice. Being one of the more mainstream pieces, this song has great potential of becoming an anthem for young women everywhere. However, my personal favorite was the blissfully bluesy “Let Me Go.” Sonner’s honeyed and purred vocals, which lift the drowsy lament of leaving a significant other, are gloriously simplistic and effective.

Despite the risk of putting my masculinity into question, I’ll unabashedly admit to my fondness for this Lilith-esque album. The range of Sonner’s voice is quite impressive as she flawlessly dives into differing styles of music. The varying tones throughout All We Need work collectively, giving Sonner’s sophomore album a sophisticated and professional finish.