On the evening of February 29, 2024, Jacob Collier released the fourth and final volume of his ground-breaking Djesse album series. Recognised for his musical talent, Collier has built up an impressive array of achievements. This includes six Grammy wins, solidifying his position as the first British act in history to claim four Grammys for each of his initial four albums. Acclaimed by reputable sources like Vulture and NPR, the final instalment of the Djesse series captured anticipation as one of the most awaited albums of 2024.
As we delve into this final instalment, it’s essential to appreciate the origin of Djesse—a project conceived by Collier as the launching pad for his career. Reflecting on the past decade, Collier’s ‘public contribution’ to music takes centre stage, showcasing the evolution of a musical genius. Known for his playful approach to music, Collier effortlessly manipulates sonic elements, creating a magical experience for listeners that mirrors the ease of putting on his Crocs in the morning.
Crafted by the visionary artist Dustin Yellin, a life-sized multi-dimensional sculpture serves as the album artwork. This sculpture, taking the form of a glass box mirroring Collier’s head, stands as a testament to Collier’s world-building mastery. Utilising over 3000 cut-up paper representations between 30 sheets of glass, the sculpture weaves together elements from Collier and Yellin’s childhoods, creating a captivating blend of flavours that embody the essence of their artistic collaboration.
The album begins with ‘100.000 Voices,’ a track crafted from the voices of audiences worldwide during Collier’s 2022 tour. Instead of being rooted in traditional concepts of happiness, joy, for Collier, emerges from the dynamic experience of being alive. In Djesse Vol. 4, joy takes on various forms, and ‘100.000 Voices’ serves as a sonic ode to this emotion, expertly collaging diverse voices and experiences. The following track, ‘She Put Sunshine,’ smoothly transitions from its predecessor, featuring a captivating beat and a soothing vocal delivery. Marked by clever repetition and intricate layering, the song seamlessly translates the essence of joy, offering a delightful listening experience.
In a heartfelt six-year journey, Jacob Collier’s quadruple album has evolved into an emotional testament. The sheer dedication is measured in millions of clicks and drags— a passionate project striving to empower and resonate with souls. Initially envisioned as a single album, the richness of music compelled its expansion into four, a journey that extended beyond the initial plan of a one-year completion to a six-year quest. In this final chapter, Collier encapsulates a celebration of humankind, infusing his compositions with the essence of his roots, crafting a universal feeling of home by collaborating with artists worldwide.
Featuring a total of 15 songs, 12 of which involve collaborations, the album kicks off its series of collaborations with ‘Little Blue (feat. Brandi Carlile).’ Collier suggests that the song is a perfect companion for nature walks, its harmonious blend of voices and soothing melody creating an ambience resembling a stroll in nature. Following suit is ‘Cinnamon Crush (feat. Lindsey Lomis),’ a lively track with unexpected lyrics, flowing seamlessly from the upbeat ‘WELLLL,’ which serves as a confidence boost with layered voices. The collaboration between Collier and Lomis results in a comfortable blend of voices, showcasing their harmonious vocal synergy. ‘Wherever I Go (feat. Lawrence & Michael McDonald)’ immediately encapsulates the feeling of gospel, a familiar sound in Collier’s work. The song sparks a sense of joy and immediately prompts you to start dancing the moment it begins.
Collier’s creative horizon has expanded significantly over the years, a testament to his ability to embrace diverse perspectives and not take himself too seriously while maintaining a supportive role for collaborators. With a staggering collaborators count exceeding a hundred from across the globe for this series, Collier views it as his mission to authentically depict the world through his unique auditory lens. His honesty about his perspective, coupled with a genuine love for all music, underscores his inclusive approach. In a press conference with 1824, Collier shared, “Everybody is welcome, and I hope there is something for everybody in this album,” emphasising the universal accessibility and diversity inherent in his musical endeavours.
‘Summer Rain (feat. Madison Cunningham & Chris Thile)’ provides a peaceful break, a departure from the upbeat love songs, gently guiding listeners into a state of calm. Navigating the complexities of dwindling affection, the harmonious voices leave you yearning for more from this trio. Transitioning to ‘A Rock Somewhere (feat. Anoushka Shankar & Varijashree Venugopal),’ the listener is transported to a mystical space where international instruments intertwine with everyday sounds. The song mirrors Collier’s passion for global music and his mission to unite collaborators. The end of the song, reminiscent of a campfire, seamlessly flows into ‘Mi Corazón (feat. Camilo).’ The collaboration with the Colombian singer harmoniously blends their styles, accompanied by nature sounds parallel to ‘A Rock Somewhere.’ It feels like embarking on a global musical journey with these mesmerising melodies.
The crafting of the tenth track, ‘Witness Me (feat. Shawn Mendes, Stormzy & Kirk Franklin),’ unfolded over two years, driven by the shared love for gospel music between Mendes and Collier. Franklin and Stormzy’s contributions elevated it into an empowering anthem. The collaborative spirit extends to ‘Never Gonna Be Alone (feat. John Mayer & Lizzy McAlpine)’ and Collier’s take on ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ featuring his characteristic layered arrangements. Inspired by Yebba’s acapella cover of the song, the latter transforms into a slow masterpiece. ‘Over You feat. aespa & Chris Martin’ concludes the prelude to the album’s final stages. Despite its melancholic lyrics, the music calls for dancing, creating a harmonious contrast.
The album’s powerful conclusion begins with ‘Box Of Stars Pt. 1 (feat. Kirk Franklin, CHIKA, D Smoke, Sho Madjozi, Yelle & Kanyi Mavi)’ and ‘Box Of Stars Pt. 2 (feat. Metropole Orkest, Suzie Collier, Steve Vai & VOCES8).’ Seamlessly blending into each other, these songs transport the listener into a sonic representation of Collier’s mind. Headphones are recommended for the immersive experience, creating a full-circle feel for those who have listened through the album. This 15-minute musical journey aligns with the immersive quality found in Collier’s music. After a brief silence, the final song, ‘World O World’ unfolds. Written in collaboration with The Aeolians of 2018 and Jason Max Ferdinand, the song creates a heavenly entrance, seamlessly weaving influences from melodies throughout the album.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Collier emphasised the value of putting faith in people, a sentiment deeply ingrained by his mother, Suzie Collier. Describing her as a gifted enabler who treats everyone as equals, Collier credits his mother for fostering the essence of trust in people. Motivated by an unending thirst for learning, he expressed that absorbing the world holds infinite value. Collaboration, he believes, is the most powerful pathway for learning, a philosophy embodied in the monumental collaborative escapade that is Djesse. While there is no concrete plan for what comes after Djesse, Collier intends to immerse himself in its essence. Despite marking the conclusion of Djesse, for Collier, it signifies not an end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.
Written by: Ilse Muis
Edited by: Shanna Henselmans
