Jake Isaac, a multi-talented instrumentalist and songwriter hailing from South London, has carved a unique space in the music world. Starting his journey as a session musician and crafting songs for notable artists like Gabrielle and Blue, Isaac transitioned into a compelling solo artist. His debut album, Our Lives, released in 2017, showcased his soulful voice and contemporary sound, firmly establishing him as a rising force.
Now, Jake Isaac returns with his sophomore album, aptly titled Honesty. Conceived during the initial two weeks of the UK’s lockdown in March 2020, this album is a significant evolution in his artistry. Featuring collaborations with esteemed artists such as India Arie, Mumu Fresh, and Samm Henshaw, Honesty delves into themes of identity and openness with a raw and stripped-back musical approach. Intrigued by the depth of this record, we delve into each track with Jake Isaac himself.
Explore more Song-by-Song features
Track-by-Track Breakdown of Jake Isaac’s “Honesty” Album
HER (A VOICENOTE)
This opening piece serves as the thematic foundation for the entire album. “HER (A VOICENOTE)” is designed to establish the narrative context of Honesty. Isaac explains it’s meant to touch upon the complexities of communication, the pain that can be felt in relationships, and yet, the underlying beauty of love that serves as the wellspring for all the songs on the album. It’s a poignant introduction to the honest and vulnerable journey the listener is about to embark on.
Jake Isaac in a thoughtful pose
GOOD
“GOOD” is a deeply personal exploration of self-doubt in relationships. Isaac candidly admits, “This is basically about me knowing I’m not good enough for love.” He describes experiencing imposter syndrome in love, a feeling he continues to grapple with. Musically, “GOOD” is a deliberate return to his soul influences, aiming for a sound that is both romantic and emotionally unfiltered. This track showcases Isaac’s vocal prowess and his ability to translate complex emotions into compelling music.
EYES FOR YOU
Moving into the theme of commitment, “EYES FOR YOU” is a song about embracing vulnerability in love. Isaac reveals, “I think I’ve always been one who’s doubted my commitment levels and in the past, that’s been a justified point…” However, this honesty song marks a shift. It’s about wholeheartedly falling in love and continuously choosing to fall deeper. “EYES FOR YOU” is an affirmation of commitment and a testament to overcoming past doubts in matters of the heart.
Jake Isaac in a black and white portrait, highlighting the 'Honesty' album themes
REMEMBER
“REMEMBER” is a nostalgic journey back to cherished moments. Isaac describes the song’s inspiration: “This was completely about reminiscing about driving around London late at night on a date in the summer when it was still hot and there was such a buzz.” His intention was to create a relatable honesty song that evokes personal memories of joy and good times in listeners. It’s an invitation to reflect on and appreciate the positive moments in our own lives.
GOLD
Continuing the theme of reflection, “GOLD” delves into the value of past love. Isaac shares, “This song is again anchored in reminiscing about a love and feeling what once was.” He felt a strong desire to communicate the immeasurable worth of a loved one through this song. “GOLD” is a musical expression of appreciation and the lasting impact of meaningful relationships, even after they’ve evolved.
HIM (A VOICENOTE)
“HIM (A VOICENOTE)” offers another layer to the album’s narrative, focusing on internal struggles. Isaac explains, “I’ve often found myself as this guy who’s trying to do what’s right and make peace, but struggling to do so.” Similar to “HER (A VOICENOTE)”, this track serves to enrich the album’s overall context. It provides listeners with a framework to interpret the songs through their own experiences of striving for peace and navigating personal challenges.
TALK ABOUT IT
Exploring his own personality, “TALK ABOUT IT” addresses the complexities of introversion and extroversion. Isaac identifies as an ambivert, stating, “I’m outgoing but a lot of the time I like to be an introvert.” This honesty song stems from this duality. It acknowledges the temptation to avoid conflict, but recognizes the potential harm in doing so. “TALK ABOUT IT” is an encouragement to confront difficult situations and communicate openly, even when it’s uncomfortable.
WAKE UP
“WAKE UP” unexpectedly evolved from its initial concept. Isaac reveals, “This song started off with me trying to write a wedding song but ended up being more focused on commitment and longevity again.” Despite the shift in direction, he embraced the organic development of the song. “WAKE UP” ultimately became another exploration of commitment, highlighting the enduring nature of love and relationships over time.
PROMISED YOU
“PROMISED YOU” is a direct and sincere declaration of commitment. Isaac describes it as, “This song simply is what it says on the tin… sticking to the promises made in the beginning.” Interestingly, he feels a personal connection to this honesty song, stating, “Sometimes I actually feel like this song wasn’t actually written for someone else to appreciate, but rather I feel like I wrote it for me to remember the promises I made.” It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding vows and staying true to one’s word.
NEVER FORGET (THE END)
Concluding the album, “NEVER FORGET (THE END)” centers on the theme of reconciliation and the enduring power of love. Isaac shares the core message: “The truth I’ve found is that no matter what process we go through, as long as we are on the same team, love stands a better chance of winning.” This final honesty song offers a hopeful and optimistic perspective on relationships, emphasizing unity and the resilience of love in overcoming challenges.
Jake Isaac performing live, conveying the honesty of his music
Honesty is available now via AntiFragile Music. For more information, visit iamjakeisaac.com.
Explore more Song-by-Song features
