Album Review: Wait Til Get Over by Durand Jones
The solo project of Durand Jones, the lead singer of Durand Jones & The Indications, is a poignant and introspective exploration of his roots in Louisiana.
Durand Jones and the Indications have long captivated fans with their undeniable talent, building on the success of their debut album with the follow-up, American Love Call, which drew inspiration from early seventies soul legends like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Stevie Wonder. Their third album, Private Space, showcased their ability to get people moving on the dance floor. Drummer and co-vocalist Aaron Frazer further demonstrated his versatility with the highly praised solo album, Introducing…
Throughout his career with The Indications, Jones has proven to be a fearless creator, fearlessly pushing boundaries and authentically expressing his emotions through his art. On Wait Til I Get Over, Jones invites listeners on a journey through his early life and the experiences that have shaped his music. The album masterfully blends modern soul elements with innovative experimentation, featuring distinctive drum patterns, lush harmonies, and intricate song structures, each component representing a memory from Jones's hometown.
Wait Til I Get Over artfully weaves together a lifetime of memories and emotions into a vivid tapestry, utilizing unique musical elements to evoke nostalgia while still looking to the future. The album marks a pivotal moment in Jones's career, revealing his most vulnerable and daring side yet. Gospel influences are more pronounced in this work, as evidenced by the choir that elevates songs like "I Want You" and the soulful title track. Co-producer Ben Lumsdaine notes that the offbeat rhythm of that track was deliberately chosen to emphasize the song's thematic elements.
Jones's exceptional musicianship and inventive songwriting bring his solo debut's rich, layered imagery to life. He seamlessly fuses diverse genre influences to create a sound that is uniquely his own, with unexpected touches that give the album its distinct personality. The uplifting "Lord Have Mercy" showcases Jones's complex relationship with his faith as his voice soars above the ensemble.
"Letter to My 17 Year Old Self" serves as a focal point of the album, displaying a Prince-like ambition as it transitions from a piano opening to a saxophone break and a choir of layered vocals, culminating in a smoky nightclub finale. Jones's bold rendition of Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free" is another standout, featuring an unexpected rap verse from Skypp. Tracks like "That Feeling" and "Secrets" further highlight Jones's mastery of his craft.
Wait Til I Get Over is as conceptually ambitious as musically rich. Jones's solo debut is the culmination of over a decade of artistic growth, an accomplishment requiring a skilled surgeon's precision and creativity. As a true ambassador of his hometown, Jones uses his velvety yet versatile voice to share stories of his upbringing and explore the impact of our past on our future.
At its core, Wait Til I Get Over attests to Jones's ability to challenge himself while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the album. The result is a record that straddles the past and future, playfully engaging with the present to offer listeners a fully immersive experience rather than just a collection of songs.
Great (★★★★☆)