It could be argued that pop music is under more scrutiny than ever. Radio stations that are owned by conglomerates have it down to a science – picking and choosing the songs that they just know will get eaten up by the public. So, Jacey Jasnoch is in a bit of a precarious position. Sell out or be authentic? Well, he may have found a way to have mass appeal and be authentic at the same time. I mean, what else do you expect when you have influences like Mike Posner, Hoodie Allen, and even John Reuben? The fact that Jasnoch seeks some inspiration from Reuben earns him major points in my book. “Nuisance” and “Word of Mouth” were my jams in high school!

What follows is a song by song commentary. I found it easier to approach the EP this way.

“Made For This”: This is a catchy song with a nice little electric guitar hook about where Jasnoch gets his inspiration. In tune with Jacey’s approach to self promotion (he doesn’t like being self absorbed) his mission statement has a restrained feel.

“Tell Me (Honestly)”: I have to be honest (no pun intended) here. I’m not really feeling this track but I know some people will. The hook doesn’t grab me and it feels a bit repetitive. I have a feeling that the song didn’t move far beyond it’s original idea, which is why it might be on the shorter end lengthwise.

“For the Summer”: A few seconds into the song, and my interest in this EP jumps up! The production is top notch and I’m irritated that I can’t remember if Jacey produces his own beats because I’m fairly certain I’ve asked him about that already! Sick beats.

“Y U Mad?”: “I just want to have a good time / and keep on keepin’ those good vibes.” That last line of the first stanza about sums up what this song is about. Don’t take this song too seriously or you’ll miss the point. I don’t think Jasnoch took it terribly seriously. Not the songwriting – more like the song is indicative of how he doesn’t take himself too seriously. The chorus feels a little forced, I certainly have to give credit for a catchy pop melody.

“Gold Digging in a Coal Mine”: This song sounds like it could be a dig at women with ulterior motives, but it seems to be more than that. The song walks the line between sarcasm and genuine pleas to the fairer sex to improve their ways when they have a propensity to chase after what doesn’t matter. A cliche plea, perhaps, but would the cliche exist if there weren’t an element of truth to this pattern existing? Jacey keeps the lyrics lighthearted but pointedly on topic.

“Ridin'”: We’ve covered this song before, but it bears a repeat mention because I actually enjoy it a lot more this time around! This is song tailor made for radio play in the summer time. That about sums it up. One of the most memorable choruses on the EP!

“Believe In Me”: An EP that began with an introduction to Jasnoch’s philosophy starts to wind down with a plea to believe in said mission. Again with not wanting to be self indulgent, Jasnoch keeps the song short and to the point, yet not feeling incomplete.

“Make You Proud”: The EP closer takes all the best elements of the preceding tracks and brings the album to a sweeping conclusion. A less is more guitar melody adds quite a bit to the track, and the best vocals on the album are here as well. The mood is pensive yet cheery.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNH25iHcx0Y[/youtube]

Jasnoch has crafted an EP that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet is well produced with influence from a bevy of producers and pop oriented hip hop artists from the past decade. Hopefully our song by song rundown gives you a bit of an idea what to expect.

Score: 3.8/5

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