However, the masterpieces Janani K. Jha crafted goes deeper than my love for her choice of theme. The Rest of the Laurels is a masterclass in album cohesion and flow. Each track is so distinct yet clearly meant to fit together like puzzle pieces that belong in a museum. There's not a single song I dislike. The lyricism is brilliant and the story each piece tells is so clear while being propped up by haunting metaphors crafted with obvious love and care.
Hats - or laurels, I suppose - off to you, Ms. Jha. A dear friend of mine introduced me to your album and The Judgement might have been the single most played song on our car rides in 2024. You've made an amazing album and it is one for the ages.
Here's my track-by-track breakdown:
Hellbent:
An incredible introduction to the album. The dissonant beginning always gives me chills and raises my heart rate. Certain music motifs from this song will reappear in later songs, giving listeners a tease of the bangers they're in for. The synths make my head fuzzy in a good way.
Royal We:
This song is my least favorite, but not at all because it's bad. The only reason it's on the bottom is because of the nature of a list; there must always be a least favorite. It sets up both the sadness and underlying rage that will rear their heads in later songs. It's an essential to the cohesion and vibes of the album, though I rarely find myself listening to it casually.
The Siege:
In the best way possible, this song sounds like a record straight from the Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift. "I was forged a phoenix, always rising from the grave" might be one of my favorite lyrics of Jha's. The exhaustion of desperately wanting to break out of a cycle, a cage, a siege comes across perfectly in this track.
Gladiators:
This is one of the first tracks of Jha's I've heard. I was a huge fan of Achilles Heel when that came out and I rediscovered her through Jorge Rivera-Herrans and Epic in time to experience this song as a single. It was and still is a feature on every playlist I have for my battle-worn OCs. I love how empowering this song both sounds and feels. I need a sword.
Thanatos (End of Us):
Anything named after my second favorite Greek god is already a win. I love the beat of this song. The plucking strings really do elevate it in a way I can't quite describe. It feels darker in the way a song called Thanatos should. You can hear the desperation behind the calm and the feeling of impending doom that sits behind anything semi-positive about this relationship.
Weird Hills:
WOW. This song is a gut punch to anyone who's ever had a relationship of any kind that ended in betrayal. Jha captures that heartbreaking feeling of missing someone you loved who screwed you over unforgivably. It's human nature to miss the familiar, to grieve the person who didn't die but chose to leave and stuck a knife in your back for good measure. This song is for the empathetic, non-confrontational lovers who can't just let go, and instead wander those weird hills, searching for an answer.
Achilles Heel:
My beloved, returned to me after all these years. The Iliad is my favorite of Homer's works and Achilles is my favorite hero, so again, I was already biased toward this track. The lyrics, the punching beat, the insane vocals; everything in this song makes my bones rattle in tune as I ascend. Chef's kiss.
Polyxena:
The acoustic guitar is a refreshing twist after a primarily synth and strings album. It stands out from the first note to the last, almost sounding like a Spanish progression, or maybe something from a grungy western. I appreciate the suspenseful feelings and building anticipation. After the heart attack Achilles Heel gives you, Polyxena lures you into its ascension and rewards you for sitting on the edge of your seat. The payoff is incredible.
The Judgement (I Think Too Much):
What. A. Song. Musically, this might be the best track. We see the layered vocal chant that first showed up in Hellbent, giving attentive listeners the musical pat on the head they deserve. Something about the vocals switching from left to right in my headphones made me drop my chores to dance through the chorus. The electric guitar and pounding drums mixing with Jha's siren-like vocals make for an unforgettable experience.
Cut the Cord:
Again, the lyricism across this whole album is to be applauded, but especially in this song. Along with that, the staccato notes in the chorus along with the sound of an actual cut really makes me bop my head and wait for the beat drop like a kid on Christmas. Another song that makes my head fuzzy in the best way. And the halftime at the end? Chills every time.
Nike:
Eldest daughter energy. I'm such a fan of songs that sound like this one - slower, lyric-focused, and makes the listener feel powerful. Nike does all of that so well. This track comes across as cathartic for both writer and consumer, almost becoming an anthem for the weird, smart plotters who know their worth.
Library of Alexandria:
Short, but so powerful. For anyone who felt the need to change themselves and desperately want to like who they see in the mirror, this will make you feel seen. The lyrics are precise and hit you hard in the insecurities.
The Maze:
Okay, that run on "Dionysus?" Applause. Along with that, this song is another one of my favorites musically. I love the callback to the overlapping synth-y vocals of Hellbent and The Judgement. Thematically, this is a very satisfying conclusion. After all of the heartbreak, confusion, and fear, there is only one person who can change your life: you. You have to be your own change, because at the end of the day, it all starts with you.
Top Five Songs:
1. Weird Hills
2. The Judgement (I Think Too Much)
3. Achilles Heel
4. Cut the Cord
5. The Maze
For real though, if you (meaning Janani K. Jha) happen to see this, you should be incredibly proud of your work. And if you (my audience) have never given this a listen, change that fast. You're going to find a song you like, I can almost guarantee it.
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