Jade Harrell

With the continued popularity of artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, and of course stalwarts like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, one wouldn’t think there’d be room for another star to squeeze into the ranks. Yet, while she’s not quite there, RevolutionArt’s flagship artist Jade Harrell has the chops to do just that. The Florida-born Harrell struggled as an adolescent due to her strong conservative convictions and diverse interests. Class Reject was inspired by these struggles and brings a sound and a message that mainstream and Christian audience’s alike need to hear.

The album kicks off strong with the club-ready track, “Into the Music.” This is the sort of track that could segue into Top 40 radio at the drop of a hat and it benefits from some bonus help from GRITS’ Bonafide. “Me and My Radio” carries that same vibe on as does “The Unseen” which unleashes a rock-flavored guitar pulse over against lyrics that challenge one to think whether or not the grass is “really greener on the other side.” Stefan the Scientist throws his hat into the ring with Harrell on “Rain,” shifting up the sound but “Addicted” gets things back to the club with guest vocals from Coffee.

But Harrell has far more to show than upbeat club jams here, despite their solid lyricism and message. This is seen most on “Don’t Leave” which recalls early Motown. Harrell’s clearly more than a one-trick pony and this old school groove is an easy fit for the artist. “Who You Are,” which is co-written with and features Ayiesha Woods, is an updated track that again shows Harrell’s versatility as she sings: “When I look in the mirror/I like what I see/Can you say the same?/It’s such a beautiful thing when you open your heart/Don’t be afraid to let the world see who you are.” Those are words forged from experience and words that the young ladies of the world need to take to heart.

And Harrell showcases some easygoing R&B chops as well. “Say Goodbye” is a smooth song that she manages with ease despite it’s heartbroken lyric while “Broken” employs some pulsing percussion and yet more flawless vocal delivery with a plea for deliverance. “King of My Heart” is the closest that the album has to a worship track and it is a beautiful one while album closer “Only Human” ends things with the hopeful lyric, “I’m gonna get there one day wait and see/With open arms he’s gonna welcome me.”

In today’s convoluted world of pop stars and more than questionable content, it’s refreshing to see an artist of Jade’s talent and conviction come forth. RevolutionArt has done well in launching this artist and, if this sassy, honest, and downright listenable album is any indication, she’s bound for the highest of heights.

Tagged as: Class Reject, Jade Harrell

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