Since her 2008 EP entitled Even Born Again, Sarah Jaffe has continually picked up fans and acclaim as her promising career snowballs into big success. Her debut full length, Suburban Nature (2010 Kirtland Records) drew mention from heavy hitters like USA Today, Paste Magazine, and Rolling Stone, and the awards and accolades are far from over.
Out of curiosity and a few rogue mentions, I purchased both the full-length and the 6 track EP. To be perfectly honest, I have been playing Jaffe continuously for 2 days…and counting. As I told a friend last week, “I like my women with a little grit in their souls”. Sarah Jaffe has grit, and grace, and some damn good songs.
Sure, there are singer /songwriters and smart, indie mavens galore but Sarah Jaffe is the real deal. Her emotional and raw lyrics that bubble up to the surface from somewhere sincere accompanied by the sometimes haunting but always gorgeous guitar melodies, are perfectly topped with an equally sweet and savory voice. A favorite of reviewers and fans alike, “Clementine” reveals some personal scar tissue through gorgeous vocals and simple lyrics. Jaffe punches you in the belly with honesty, and three minutes later mends the tattered edges with a little sweet-tempered sarcasm. From tracks like “Better Than Nothing” and “Stay With Me” you find yourself in a spin cycle of empathy. But on track to conquer the art of influencing emotion, Jaffe hypnotically rounds out the album with “Nuture It”, and lets you walk away content.
Jaffe’s upcoming SXSW showcase (Friday, March 18th, 9pm @ Momo’s) could likely be the last little push the Denton-dwelling singer needs before locking in her stardom.
