For years, YouTube has proven to be a successful outlet providing the opportunity for some to break through into the music industry. For Jasmine Thompson, this is certainly true. As a cover artist, Thompson achieved international recognition for her renditions of tracks like Passenger’s “Let Her Go” and Sia’s “Titanium.” At the young age of 14, the content of her music should feel far beyond her years, but for the viral singer-songwriter, her early beginnings should only be met with continued success.
When Thompson released her debut LP, “Bundle Of Tantrums,” and it’s follow up “Another Bundle Of Tantrums,” critics and fans raved over the beautifully simplistic performances of Thompson’s covers. Stripped-down and emotive, the tranquility presented through Thompson’s signature voice is both airy and drawing. With well over a million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of millions of views, Thompson seems unstoppable. Coming at a time when the London-based artist has been met with success on the charts, the release of her first larger collection of originals, condensed onto one EP, “Adore,” Thompson finally showcases the potential she holds.
Driven and pop-oriented, each track off the EP is as good as the one before it. With great alternative inflections adding a sense of individuality, Thompson is able to work among multiple dimensions and genres. Tracks like the lead single, “Adore” perfectly exemplify this. Backed by synths, “Adore” is 80s glam-meets alt-pop gold. Like fellow niche artist Vérité, Thompson can easily be seen crossing between small venues and sold out stadiums.
Thompson continues chugging along with tracks like “Crystal Heart” and the climactic “Great Escape.” On “Crystal Heart,” Thompson most closely resembles a mainstream artist driven by the Billboard. Catchy and enjoyable, “Crystal Heart” does not quit. On “Great Escape,” long vocal runs and swooning beats lead listeners into a dreamscape of possibilities.
The EP’s final track, titled “Let Myself Try,” finds Thompson at her roots. Featuring far less production, “Let Myself Try” is a peaceful conclusion to an upbeat collection of music. With a melody that is both sunny and continual, Thompson sings of a journey ahead.
As a whole, Thompson’s delve into the world of self-artistry is one that is so welcomed that it seems it should have come much earlier. With multiple years in the industry of mostly creating masterful covers of the work of others, Thompson’s “Adore” is a great way for the young songwriter to come into the industry on her own accord. While the albums of covers will be missed greatly for their easy and heartfelt listenability, the new direction of such a youthful and imaginative artist is exciting.
