Julia Jacklin's 'The Gem' wrestles with faith and freedom on new album
Her fourth album finds Jacklin exploring the tension between feeling free and being watched over, through varied musical arrangements.
Julia Jacklin's new album The Gem blends introspective storytelling with bold pop production. The album grapples with God and spiritual freedom.
Tracks like God Sometimes and Angel Vision examine how to feel free when someone is watching over her. If I Had the Hand of God asks if being all-knowing would change anything.
Hope and hopelessness blur together. Jacklin's eye catches everyday moments: watching a neighbour eat a peach, calling her dad, forgetting to water a friend's plants.
These small moments bring contemplative weight to her stories. Sonically the album moves between luscious pop-rock, bright upbeat jangle and stripped-back acoustic arrangements.
Her gentle, controlled voice brings tenderness to each story. Bandmate Jacob Diamond and Melbourne folk duo the Maes appear on the album closer I Wish.
- Fourth
- Album number
- The Gem
- Album title
- 10
- Number of songs
- 2019
- Crushing release year
Why it mattersA major Australian artist's new album is a significant cultural release, showing her continued artistic evolution and depth.
AustraliaMelbourne-based Julia Jacklin remains one of Australia's most respected songwriters, and her new album is available now.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 45 min ago
