Jennifer Harper’s Soul Alive: A Personal Album With Universal Lessons

Earlier this month, Jennifer Harper extended her discography with the third album "Soul Alive," which carries ten heartfelt, soul-rejuvenating songs. Each of them propagates stirring themes such as healing, renewal, and transformation. Having garnered global recognition for her prior releases, Harper's meticulous approach to music as an art form and a spiritual practice is meant to strike a chord with listeners.

From Past Work to Soul Alive

Based out of New York, Jennifer shares a special connection with nature. Fascinated by it, she spends her time in various outdoor activities such as gardening and hiking, all of which play a crucial role and echo through her songwriting process. Alongside her creative path, she practices Nichiren Buddhism, shaping an outlook she describes as "sacred storytelling through sound." Her performances often extend beyond concerts, functioning as mutual experiences where audiences are invited to reflect and renew.

Already having released two other well-received records, various outlets and critics have heaped praises on her: prominent ones being from Songwriting Magazine, stating her sound is "a slice of anthemic, lighter-waving Adult Oriented Folk-Rock." Among others on this expanding list, Big Takeover hailed her voice as "soothing and empowering"; it's abundantly clear that Jennifer's singing prowess and compositional awareness have a consistent quality, one that leaves an indelible impression on the listeners with its sincerity and insightfulness. "Soul Alive" inherits those same mottos, as she builds on this holistic foundation and presents her most unified vision so far.

The Songs and Their Message

The titular "Soul Alive" manifests the record's central narrative: more than just a tune, it resonates as an awakening call for embracing new possibilities, encouraging one to shed old patterns and recognize strength in weakness. Tal Bergman’s drumming adds a steady pulse that reinforces the vocal and piano lines, tethering the arrangement while leaving the space for rumination. Among other notable works, "You're a Star" doubles down on the message of affirmations— gentler percussions and layered harmonies come in play, as the track positions Jennifer's serenade as a companion, offering clarity for those struggling through rough patches.

A recurrent aspect of this LP is the acoustic performances: "I Am a Queen" unfurls on gentle chords struck on a piano, as the amicable voice takes center stage. The candidness present here is openly vulnerable yet unrestrained, urging one to seek self-worth without temporary distractions. Furthermore, the scope of instrumentation is expanded in "Beautiful Earth," as the songstress incorporates subtle notes from brass and synths over a delicate rhythm. Her gratitude remains unwavering towards nature, adopting an intimate note in a riveting act.

Those keen-eyed are bound to notice "Talking to the Moon": the 2010 pop hit from Bruno Mars gets renovated into a sentimental cover, where the arrangements revolve around bittersweet, dreamy-eyed ambiance from the rippling keys and vocals, which yearn for a lost lover. Jennifer's take on the hit offers further wistfulness and immediacy, exhibiting her mettle as a vocalist in covering this song.  

The album closes with "Butterfly," a song shaped by glimmering synths and graceful vocals. Its imagery of transformation leaves the listener with a sense of renewal and completion, making it a fitting conclusion to the journey. Other songs, such as "Change Is Coming" and Remembrance serve as stepping stones across the album, linking release, memory, and affirmation into a clear arc. Each track feels carefully placed to guide the listener from opening to closure.

A Universal Invitation

Jennifer Harper’s "Soul Alive" emerges as her most complete opus to date. Musically, the album stays grounded in folk and easy-listening, conveyed by the timeless combination of piano, earnest vocals, and the careful production choices made by Matt Anthony. Jennifer Harper emphasizes clarity, ensuring that instrumentation supports her delivery without ever overwhelming it.

The album offers songs rooted in awakening, healing, and transformation. From the opening chords of the title piece to the closing notes of "You’re a Star," the album is a reminder that music can indeed act as a form of panacea, while remaining accessible and direct. Empowered by her personal reflections, Jennifer Harper has crafted an album that crosses beyond the expected thresholds: this is a shared invitation to recognize one's true potential and step towards a transcending renewal.

You can listen to the album below and follow Jennifer on Instagram here.