An Album Review: “this is what ____ feels like (Vol. 1-4)” by JVKE
I wanted to try something new with my very first first-impressions of an album. Today focuses on the viral sensation that is JVKE (dope pseudonym btw) and his debut album this is what ____ feels like (Vol. 1-4) released earlier this year.
It was recently recommended to me to check out JVKE’s full album ever since I stumbled upon his single moon and back from a Spotify generated playlist a weeks ago. Based on the music and artists I already vibe with, I could see why the algorithm has been slowly slowly already been directing me towards his stuff. Not to mention how many times his songs are used for new Instagram Reel trends (I know, I am that guy who hasn’t made a TikTok account yet but is basically on TikTok to a degree through Reels). Below are my top three impressions based on an initial listen-through of his album this is what ____ feels like (Vol. 1-4):
this is what heartbreak feels like
The general vibe of the album to me feels like a remixed series of theatrical collaborative diary entries. this is what heartbreak feels like is the 4th track on the album. This song in particular instantly reminded me of idfc by blackbear meets a slow-motion montage of heartbreak. Both songs explore the idea of pretty lies and prettier little liars minus the ominous, anonymous scarlet red bullying in Rosewood, Pennsylvania. There is a distinct difference in the tones of storytelling though.
blackbear’s song is more about the dismissive, self-sabotaging aspects of loving someone who does not seem ready to love you back. JVKE’s song focuses more on the disappointment part of pain. Betrayal by someone you once loved so hard can pop your heart out of its arterial lining onto the concrete floor. It’s a song about processing all the anger and confrontational energy that comes with a heartbreak ignited by cheating & lying. My favorite lyrics are: “When I cry myself to sleep / I see you in my dream / I can’t breathe / ‘Bouta hyperventilate”.
The speaker is left to deal with sweeping the pieces of their own shattered heart off the cold concrete floor. Superglue-ing it back together is a later problem. First, comes the five stages of grief accompanied by an orchestral backtrack which is exactly what this track is. It’s perfect for yelling at a brick wall in one of those rage rooms between hyperventilating and chucking plates.
I can’t help it
The album closes with this song as its 12th track. Similarly, I can totally see this being the last song played at a wedding to wrap up the night. At this wedding, the first dance song would have to be some rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis since JVKE’s own song very strongly references Elvis’ track from the very first line. These would be the most complimentary book-ends of wedding songs in my opinion if the couple were seeking some sort of continuity from the first to final song: Elvis to JVKE.
With a relatively slow and calm start, the song quickly transforms into a wholesome, energy-raising bop. This song is full of matter-of-fact declarations of passion set to a danceable beat. I just want to yell every lyric in my person’s face at the center of the dancefloor as we jump and sway and twirl into each other in our end-of-the-night formal attire, heels and suit jackets left by the dinner table. This song makes the feeling of falling in love feel so simple and forgetfully intentional, almost like breathing to simply feel alive.
moon and back
I’ve already shared my thoughts back in Week 1’s post, so be sure to read all about it there <3.
