Below are several reviews of my original songs featured on Jango.com!
“Jessica Wicken brings a bold, brassy presence to Country music, giving her witty material a kind, human, Folk-inspired treatment, indulging audiences with delightfully accessible golden tunes perfect for singing along. I’m Still Singing, Wicken’s wry, charming, autobiographical tale treats listeners to lighthearted, upbeat Country and Western guitar, frilled with all the deft accents and trills that come with a musician utterly at home on the fretboard, and directed by Wicken’s own sunny, alto voice, filled with a personality and sense of self assurance that’s catching. Bouncing positively along, I’m Still Singing speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt defeated or questioned following their calling in life, straight from the proverbial horse’s mouth: “a bird’s gotta fly, a bell’s gotta ring and a singer’s got to sing.”
“Jessica Wicken’s wide open attitude and irresistible personality is a breath of fresh air in the often high-concept, over-produced music industry, as time and time again she churns out a terrifically catchy 70’s tinted sound guided by Wicken’s own personal style and natural good taste, casually used to conceal the type of edgily insightful, frank topics audiences are starved for. Been Around is no exception, drenching its listeners in syrupy, full-bodied retro-Rock that stops just short of true psychedelia, bringing in even-keeled, appealing melodies and a punchily percussed, organ studded golden guitar track reminiscent of the early California rock sound canonized by groups like the Doors, while Wicken croons cooly about cycles and life patterns clothed in lively carnival metaphors. Fun in feel, device, and delivery Jessica Wicken’s Been Around is the perfect even tempered, encouraging jam for almost any occasion, allowing listeners to dig in exactly as far as they choose.”
“Jessica Wicken explores the wondrous sensation of kindred connection through artful expression in her heart-warming original tune, “We Meet In The Music”! Employing the talented efforts of Darren Skanson on guitar and bells alongside Harry Grainger on an electronically-produced accordion, “We Meet In The Music” bears an infectious sense of levity and an exhilarating air of romance – elevated by Wicken’s lovingly-crafted lyrics and heartfelt vocal performance!”
“With Christmas just around the corner, what better way to get into the spirit of things than listening to a terrifically uplifting Christmas tune, and with its undeniable charm and feel-good nature, “Mountain High Christmas” is just the type of song to fire up that Christmas feeling. Jessica Wicken gives a wonderfully warm and graceful lead vocal performance that is backed by an equally well accomplished musical backing that you simply can’t help but feel invested in from start to finish.”
Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me
“Jessica Wicken’s excellent cover of “Blues (My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me)” offers listeners one exceedingly fun-spirited slice of country-infused blues flavored pie, one that clearly respects the source material of which it’s based upon whilst also managing to do something fresh and exciting with it. Led by Jessica’s wonderfully expressive vocal performance and containing a great amount of undeniable charm, this is a fantastic interpretation of a classic that will undoubtedly get listeners moving to its utterly infectious sense of groove.”
Don’t Tell Santa (Mrs. Claus Tells All)
“Having already had the great pleasure of reviewing a previous tune by Jessica Wicken, I believe it’s safe to say that I had a firm idea of what to expect when delving into this talented songwriter’s latest offering, and with its superb performances, inspired writing, and utterly delightful festive edge, “Don’t Tell Santa (Mrs. Claus Tells All)” serves as both the perfect embodiment of Jessica’s thoroughly wholesome musical style and her unequivocally charming sense of musical character. Managing to get its listeners well and firmly in the mood for the holiday season, “Don’t Tell Santa (Mrs. Claus Tells All)” bears all the trademarks you could hope to find in a Jessica Wicken tune, whether it’s the quirky, humor-infused lyrics, marvelously detailed arrangement, abundant country-tinted melodies, or foot-tapping rhythms, this is a piece of songwriting that will surely raise a smile and warm many a heart.”