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In an age when it seems the only way for a female pop performer to get any notice is to bear as much skin as possible, Jem is a refreshing change of pace (and no, not Jem as in the “truly outrageous” cartoon rock star who jammed with the Holograms and was dogged by the Misfits in the 1980’s).
Jem isn’t trying to sell herself or her music using sex ala Britney Spears. With Jem the music is the priority. In fact, she wrote and co-produced all the songs on her’s first full length album “Finally Woken” (ATO Records).
Her ethereal mid-tempo mix of pop, techno, and rock elements have earned her comparisons to the likes of Dido. It’s a fair comparison. Her vocals and even the tone of her songs recall the singer Eminem made famous in the U.S. when he used part of her song “Thank You” in his hit song “Stan.” But if imitation is the best form of flattery, Dido should be feeling pretty good.
“Finally Woken” is a blissful chill out record clocking in at under 45 minutes. It’s short and it’s sweet, if not a little too consistent. A little more variety in tempo and tone would help individual tracks stand out more. But with an ear for great melodies and funky arrangements, “Finally Woken” just might propel Jem to the next big thing.
About the Author: D'Anne Witkowski
D'Anne Witkowski is a writer living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBTQ+ politics for nearly two decades. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.
