Jack Gassen – “Worried”

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“Worried” is a powerful track from Jack Gassen, expanding from piano-driven singer/songwriter intimacy into captivating neo-classical exploration. Aesthetically, I’m fondly reminded of Plush’s debut album More You Becomes You, engrossing emotively with powerful piano melodies, raw vocals, and clever shifts. A darker piano drop around the 30-second mark fully intrigues, the production succeeding in the swapping between minimalist piano and more expansive hints. The classical-minded section begins in the second half, where haunting piano minimalism is joined by an elongated vocal croon. “Worried” is a thorough success from the Washington-based multi-instrumentalist.

Gassen explains more about the track below:

“‘Worried’ came from a place of frustration with myself over my habit of worrying over everything and overthinking my life. This is a part of myself that I have struggled a lot with and am working to greet with love and curiosity rather than hatred. The subject “you” who I am singing to in the song is purposefully unclear, even to myself a bit. At times, I wrote words directed at whatever power we call “god”, but others are written to an audience who may be listening, or to my lovely girlfriend and partner. I like the fact that the lyrics put you in my shoes and you are left questioning who I am talking to and what that might reveal about the meaning behind the song. Or it’s all just words and I’m overthinking it all too much!”

“Worried” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of March 2021’ Spotify playlist.

Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

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