By Brett Kaufman

If you are not familiar with the name Jay Wile, you will be in the near future. The talented singer/songwriter/producer from Texas will blow up, it is just a matter of when.

Apple Music

Spotify

Grade: B+

Jay Wile’s first official EP, Blue Patio, serves as an introduction into the life of a seemingly normal, fun-loving college-grad from Texas. However, beneath the veil of catchy melodies and rhyming lyrics lie themes of love, desire, and heartbreak. Through profound expression of emotion, decent vocal range, and strong production and songwriting, Wile flashes signs of brilliance very early on in his career as an R&B/Soul musician.

The EP begins with “Numb,” immediately establishing a somber mood that is sustained throughout the majority of the tape. The first words of the song perhaps best exemplify the aimlessness and melancholy that Wile intends to convey— “I’ve been thinking, I should start drinking… To replace the void, you leave when you go missing.” The next two songs, “Vibe” and “Honest,” bolster the gloomy atmosphere present in the intro track. Wile utilizes a simple, yet pleasant, chord pattern in “Honest,” cementing his voice as the focal point of the song. Wile also flaunts his exceptional control of vocal range, seamlessly transitioning to falsetto many times throughout the song.

The ambiance transitions away from soulful in more upbeat songs “Wittme” and “Dwn.” Despite being catchy, these repetitive songs come at the cost of some lyrical quality, but cannot be held against Wile as he searches for his own identity as a young musician. This being said, the soulful, heartfelt Jay Wile is much more appealing to listeners and critics alike; his voice is more suited to convey emotion, rather than to produce catchy hooks.

The best display of Jay Wile’s raw talent is his fifth track, “BluePatio.” Mellow synth keys and loud snares revive the somber mood present in earlier tracks. Wile’s vocals shine in this song as he yearningly discusses his desire for lasting love, sounding remarkably similar to Frank Ocean in early works, such as The Lonny Breaux Collection and Nostalgia, Ultra. Although perhaps bold, this comparison serves as an example of how talented Jay Wile is.

The few flaws present in his debut are expected of any up-and-coming artist as they look to correct any blemishes in their craft. The raw vocal talent of Wile, paired with his ability to write meaningful and emotional songs will make recognition unavoidable. As he solidifies his identity as an R&B/Soul musician, expect Jay Wile to turn heads in 2018.