m. jean m. - live through me

M. Jean M.

Live Through Me
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

M. Jean M. is currently studying music at Stetson University and had time to drop an impressive album entitled Live Through Me.  As I was listening to her album I was digging her inventive beats and sound while also appreciating her rhymes.  The music you find on her songs isn't typical hip-hop 101. She mixes it up quite often whether it's breaking down technically impressive timing, or throwing together many unexpected concoction of sounds. 

My only real complaint is the minor issues of production that surface once in awhile. Namely I found that the volume of certain songs varied, which had me reaching for the volume knob quite often. The other issue was that it seemed as if her vocals weren't treated at all. I would have loved to hear some reverb and compression to help with the very raw vocal performance.

The album starts with a short intro of what is pretty much M. Jean M. dabbling on the keyboard and talking before seamlessly transition into “Work.” She creates a colorful palette of sounds including bells, synths and vocal samples for her to rhyme over. She goes into experimental territory on “Asphalt” as she conjures up warbly synths that sound like effects you might hear on Star Wars movies. There a second detuned voice that raps over some of the lyrics in the verse as well. One of the highlights on the album was “Drive,” which ends with some impressive Aphex Twin-style type beats that helped make the listening experience fresh and diverse. 

“Ancient Radio Announcement” is an a cappella style rap while the album closer “Absolutely Brilliant” is a melancholy, organ-fueled number that is an emotionally resonant song.

There are still production issues that need to be ironed out but overall the album has a good amount of material. M. Jean M. seems to be on the track.

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