Jessy Rose takes us on a captivating journey of rebirth and reflection in his debut solo single “Set Free.” The single is pop perfection, with a crisp and warm production that sets the stage for the artist to express his most piercing vulnerabilities all while remaining emotionally accessible and personable. 

The Irish singer-songwriter burst into the scene at the age of 18 as the frontman of Hare Squad. They made their name as one of Ireland’s hottest young bands, accruing over 50 million streams and performing at some of the most beloved music festivals across Europe. The artist stepped down from his role at Hare Squad in 2018 to explore solo projections. 

The exploration was well worth it because his debut single is as dynamic and compelling as one could hope for. The most striking element about this composition is the superb production, from the percussion building a suspenseful momentum to the acoustic guitar keeping the tune grounded and wistful. Every chord on the guitar, every smack on the snare drum — they combine beautifully to contribute to a scintillating, enigmatic atmosphere. The song itself is chronicling the rise and fall of a misunderstood, overwhelmed artist unable to cope with the pressures of the world. It tackles themes of ego, hopelessness, loneliness, and inner strength. 

However, the song itself doesn’t bother getting too heavy-handed with the themes. The elite production does hint at a somber background, but the upbeat tempo keeps the mood largely spirited and lively. Credit must be given where it’s due: Jessy’s rich, smooth-as-velvet vocals run the show and grace each and every note with strokes of intent, resolution, and expression. He’s clearly got the ability to soar through high notes, but he keeps it balanced with only a few high-pitched touches here and there. It’s actually incredible how he can switch and twist his vocals to suit the backing rhythm. The outro of the song is perhaps the most fascinating: empty, sorrowful, and only set to a few dragged-out plucks on the acoustic. 

Speaking on his solo single, Jessy said, “Set Free’ is the most vulnerable I’ve ever made myself on record. It’s kinda scary sharing these thoughts and emotions with the world, but it’s also freeing.”

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.