In a surprisingly emotional and comprehensive EP, singer-songwriter Taylor Jahn will lull you into a sweet disposition with his smooth voice. Similar to Jack’s Mannequin or A Great Big World, Jahn’s voice soars to vibrant heights over melancholy acoustic-pop melodies. Hide Away is an impressive debut EP that almost feels like the soundtrack to the non-existent film about his life. Each song is deeply personal and stunningly relatable at the same time.
Taylor Jahn has the potential to follow in the footsteps of singer-songwriters who use the piano to their advantage like Sara Bareilles and Ryan Tedder of One Republic. There is a beautiful balance of strength and gentleness scattered throughout this EP. Jahn’s future as a singer-songwriter could be quite bright if he continues to be so open and generous in his lyrics. Each track on Hide Away does exactly what it should: tell a story. Within these soulful serenades we hear heartbreak and loss, romance and rhythm. Though the songs are all closely related, the EP does not feel one-note.
The first two tracks perfectly encapsulate the variety of the EP. Title track “Hide Away” is a huge ballad that consistently builds upon a foundation of piano and drums. It feels like a song we’ve heard before but the heart-wrenching lyrics and lofty melody distinguish it from the pack. This song certainly sets the tone for the rest of the EP, and potentially for Jahn’s artistic career. Second on the EP is “All We Need,” starkly contrasting with the title track with its upbeat, jaunty beat. Though the two songs could not sound more different, their variance doesn’t feel forced. Jahn’s musical influences - both modern and old school - come alive in these two songs.
Hide Away is a brief, but enjoyable listen. It’s clear Jahn is an artist who welcomes inspiration in any form, even if that means getting his heart broken along the way. The EP is out now on iTunes and Spotify. Watch the video for the title track below!