Blue Notes - Jose Vanders

Jose Vanders released her latest EP, Blue Notes, on the 31st of January 2011. There are five tracks featured on the EP, four of which are in typical Vanders style. The first four tracks are called 'The Magician', 'Me Without A You', 'Blue Notes' and 'Metal Detector'. These tracks are some of, in my personal opinion, Vanders' best songs and they should be seen as a highlight to her portfolio. I wasn't sure if it was possible to beat the last album she released, Literature Lovers (2009), or even her older  EPs, Transactional Language (2007) and Red Black Blue & The Tortoise (2008). However I believe that this EP at the very least matches the others in it's sense of style, thought-provoking lyrics and it's soothing tones.

My personal favourite song of this EP is 'Me Without A You'. Although the tune is played on guitar rather than the typical piano theme as seen in her previous work, this song is comparable to 'Man on Wire', which also includes many philosophies on life as well as a section in the middle of the track which has an almost choir like sound. With it's powerful lyrics and Vanders' silky smooth voice, this song is guaranteed to stay in your head throughout the day. The song is uplifting and I don't believe that anyone could sing it as well as Jose.

On the other hand the final track, 'Metal Detector (The Clock Storm Remix) is an electronic track which is completely different to the other tracks on the EP. I don't think that this version of 'Metal Detector' enhances the EP particularly, and in some respects it almost defeats the innocent beauty of Jose's voice and lyrics. I do however admire how she is branching out to different styles of music and experimenting with new sounds.

So far Jose's work is immaculate and I could literally listen to it all day. Her music takes you to a completely different place where you can be carefree. I implore people to listen to these new tracks as well as her older songs as I don't think she gets enough credit as her music is outstanding. I cannot wait for the next EP and I hope that she will continue her wonderful work. Fingers crossed one day she will perform near Manchester and bless the North with her unique sound!