There are just three people, that I know of, who own the name “JP”: an older cousin who took care of me when I was little; a good actor, JP Pitoc, who starred in a gay-themed film, Trick; and this singer/songwriter who voiced the very popular Jonas Blue remix of Perfect Strangers.
This is The Pink na Medyas Review and today, I’m going to get deeper into the latter guy’s album, Raised Under the Grey Skies, which was released later this year.
I’m featuring this album because this one hasn’t got that much commercial success here in the country. I really love this album and I just hate it when good albums don’t get it to the mainstream (that much).
First, you know better than to judge this album’s cover art. This is not a reggae album! I repeat, this is not a reggae album! Once you start listening, you’ll easily see how his style fits the R&B and Singer/Songwriter genre.
Voice-wise, his low-notes remind me of Shawn Mendez, only less “nasal”, and James Morrison. His falsetto and high-notes reminds me of Sam Smith, a bit of Justin Timberlake, and Jason Derulo. It’s a bit familiar and a bit different. I really love listening at how he hits those high notes. His style in this track most of the time reminds me of John Newman, John Legend, and Chris Brown (minus the beat). One word defines his style — serenading.
BEST TRACKS
Let’s start counting down my favorite songs in this album with September Song. It’s the best track, I believe, would fit for mainstream, aside from Perfect Strangers.
Favorite lines from the song:
You were my September song / Tell me where have you gone / Do you remember me / We were only fifteen / And I remember the chorus / They were singing it for her
If you dare to sing me The Only Reason, my heart is yours! The chorus gives me the chills. It’s like JP’s singing it directly to me. Those high notes did a good job intensifying that message.
Favorite line from the song:
The only reason God give me eyes is to see you / The only reason God give me ears is to hear your voice / So I will love… / I will always love you / And when the wind gets cold / I’ll wrap my arms around you
Passport Home gives the same effect as The Only Reason, only this time it’s about him being sorry and in sorrow. I guess there’s one thing now that’s common to JP Cooper’s songs, it’s how his voice conveys sincerity to the listener.
Favorite line from the song:
You’re my passport home / My guiding light / My hand to hold … Without you close / I can’t go on / So darling keep the light on
This time here in The PNM Review, I’m adding another track that is worthy of a special mention. The album version of Perfect Strangers is way better than the one with the beat in it. Jonas Blue’s “diluted” version is popular and has topped the mainstream charts but I want you to check out the original one. Have I emphasized greatly how sincere JP Cooper’s music is? Listen to the less upbeat Perfect Strangers and you’ll realize how the song feels with toned down and simplified accompaniment.
JUDGEMENT
This 20-tracked album is geared for easy listening. I can just lie on my bed listening to this one. It will also do as a travel companion, but I prefer listening to it lying down with my eyes closed. Just stay like that and listen to what he’s saying. The words are good. Initial listening would keep you invited. Repeated listening and understanding what the words convey shovels you into deeper thoughts. There’s a lot of interesting tracks in this album that makes it hard to be ignored.
Definitely, this one’s going to my “Best Albums” playlist.
ALBUM RATING
4.95/5
Trick.
Hanya Yanagihara’s “A Little Life”
The Adventures of the Traveling Pink na Medyas 