And So I Pray Jem Reviewed By : Scott Standing

It’s been a quiet few years for Welsh songstress Jem since her debut album ‘Finally Woken’ in 2005, and the most memorable debut single ‘They’. The difficult second album, which came via ‘Down To Earth’ in 2008, didn’t achieve the same success. But this latest track shows the quieter period has been fruitful. Very much in the vein of her previous sound, ‘And So I Pray’ encapsulates Jem’s breathy, yet melodic vocals perfectly, and sets them over a simple but effective instrumental foundation.

Like many of her contemporaries, most notably Bat For Lashes and Imogen Heap, Jem is adept at creating a particular ambiance to her songs and this one is no exception. From start to finish it is calming and kind to the ear. For the most part the song doesn’t really go anywhere, but that need not be a bad thing; it serves its purpose as a relaxing tune that neither makes a statement nor bores the listener. It may not have the political undertones of ‘They’, nor will it experience the commercial success of ‘Just A Ride’, but it is a great track for the impending summer to stick on at a barbecue and chill out to.

7/10

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