Nobody tells a story and soothes the soul quite like John Jenkins. An artist and songwriter whose integrity and charm have let his organic music build a lasting reputation across the independent scenes of the UK. And here, we get not only another stunning album of original songs, but perhaps his most impactful project yet.
Led by a folk-rock bounce, later meandering through acoustic contemplation – this album is an eclectic 12-track playlist of stories and tunes both uplifting and occasionally tragic. Aptly titled Restless Hearts, it’s a blessing to listen through.
John Jenkins’ voice has the humility and heart of a classic, sixties-esque singer-songwriter – a touch of The Beatles but a personal thread of integrity, and an organic musicality that feels effectively timeless in both melody and set-up.
Cruel Wind is a brilliant opening track, uplifting but thought provoking, with its energy and full-band vibrancy contrasted beautifully by the clear melancholy of a stripped-back and devastating The Disappearance. A strong start is essential, and these two stories and songs alone are likely to get you hitting play a few times over.
Then for Too Many Roads, the folk-rock shuffle and stomp returns – a supremely catchy, snappy set of lyrics and tuneful satisfaction, scenery that takes you there, stops and starts that keep you fully focused on the movement of the music. This one is a gem of a track, a personal favourite – an earworm that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and no doubt a real highlight at a John Jenkins live show this summer.
Pippa Murdie later gifts smooth vocal dynamic to the acoustic folk honesty and heart-breaking memories of Colorado in the Spring, with ‘I do believe that I was right’ resounding and repeating after listening. This song actually reminds me somewhat of Radiohead’s High and Dry.
Another lovely knees-up anthem but gentle and humble as ever – I Didn’t Really Want to Change The World features a lush fiddle solo and a full-band warmth again lighting up the space, before Sound of Thunder pairs piano and acoustic guitar, for a fire-side country vibe that again sets the scene with poignant precision. Simple, short lines are impressively all that’s needed to really capture the evocative essence of this piece of music and writing.
Through Brooklyn and The Not Knowing, John maintains a sense of acoustic calm and clarity, with stories of depth and a pure, unplugged warmth, subtle harmonies, and intimate reflections, all feeling both personal and strangely relatable; especially the latter. The Not Knowing is quite profound and powerful, despite its softness and minimalism as a quiet acoustic song.
This mood continues somewhat, for Spent the Night in Austin and Never Needed Much, letting the music feel almost like an extended embrace – the perfect playlist to relax and ponder the world and the past amidst. Then at just the right moment, The Man Who Breaks Your Heart injects a twist of bigger-band country energy and style. A catchy resolve backed by a welcomed upbeat bounce of an arrangement, and something of a choir-like crescendo at its peak.
Concluding Restless Hearts, easy acoustic finger-picking, and a first-person journey through nature. Farthings Wood lets you escape into the calm of the world, and brings things to a gorgeously hopeful and happy finish. A lovely curtain call, familiar melodically but interesting enough in its scene-by-scene story to feel new, and a great way to wrap up this established and rather divine album.
Catch John Jenkins on tour this month, with shows in Brighton and Blackpool coming up in the next few days. Find John Jenkins on Facebook, Instagram, X, Soundcloud.
