Tobias Jesso Jr. - Goon

Tobias Jesso Jr. - Goon
Recorded at various studios in LA
Produced by Jr White, Ariel Rechtshaid, Patrick Carney, and John Collins
True Panther Sounds, 2015 

I have recently (well, actually back in 2015) purchased the vinyl pressing of the great album Goon by Tobias Jesso Jr. The Canadian's first album is a stunning collection of pop tunes in the vein of the greats Paul McCartney, Badfinger, and Elton John. I have always been drawn to tuneful, pop music and this undoubtedly (well, for me at least) one of the best album of the last 5 years!

Admittedly, Tobias Jesso Jr. isn't the greatest piano player, as he original cut his teeth working as a session guitarist in Los Angeles. His playing is a bit clunky and does sound like someone finding their feet with the instrument. Despite this, his clumsy playing adds only to the charm and makes this humble and basic LP more attractive and engaging. Goon was written on a piano at his mother's house in his Vancouver, after moving home following a failed relationship and disillusionment with the music scene.

The mood is melancholic, yet uplifting, and the opening track 'Can't Stop Thinking About You', Jesso Jr. combines these two elements skilfully. This is followed by the single 'How Could You Babe', which to me, is a perfect pop song. It begins with a slow verse which gradually builds into a blistering, soulful chorus. One of the highlights for sure, it really demonstrates his ability to craft real melodies and tell simple, relate-able stories. Song after song, Jesso Jr. produces the goods with excellent, melodic pop tunes like 'Without You' and 'Can't We Still be Friends'. Side A closes with one of the albums darker moments with the brooding 'Hollywood', in which Jesso sings of his distaste for the city where he tried, and failed, to make it in the music scene.

Side B is just a strong with the jointy 'Crocodile Tears' which sound like an Elton John outtake from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or a long-lost Wings' single. The understated 'Leaving LA' and the Fender Rhodes led 'Bad Words' further highlight his growing understanding of how to structure verses and choruses. I strongly believe that Goon is only the beginning for Jesso Jr. and I am certain he is destined for great things.

The strength of Goon is in its' simplicity and warm familiarity of the music. It is unpretentious and charming, and and Jesso Jr. tells simple, human stories which make it such an accessible album. Songs like 'Without You' and 'Can't Stop Thinking About You' are simple tales of love and loss which never for a moment sound forced or too contrived. Indeed, Jesso uses many motifs and phrases which McCartney or Elton John may have well used before, but somehow this album still sounds fresh and stronger than some more original music around today. Goon is a an album which never pretends to be anything it isn't, it doesn't follow a trend, or rely on an image, it is just pure, simple, great pop music.

Key tracks:

Without You
Crocodile Tears
How Could You Babe

If you enjoyed this, also check out:

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Paul McCartney & Wings - Band on the Run