If we’re being honest, each of us has fears that we carry around like old jeans, worn at the knees. The recently released album “My Greatest Fears” by Josefine Neumann is exactly about this. She’s still young, only 16, but her voice has a depth and maturity that is astonishing. In her sixth album, Josefine stays true to her folk roots, while skillfully weaving in something more complex, multi-layered. It’s rare to find such a mix where acoustic guitars intertwine with a rich, almost orchestral sound.

photo by @phantom_jelly_fish

“My Greatest Fears” sounds like a confession, but not one that oppresses you. It’s more like a conversation with a friend under the dim street lights, where each song shifts from fears to hopes, from doubts to confidence. This is felt in each of the 17 tracks. Josefine sings about her fears, but it is through these fears that she moves forward, revealing new facets of her talent. This is the true art—evoking emotions, making the listener feel, experience along with you.

To some, an album with 17 tracks might seem excessive, risking being overly lengthy. But let me assure you, this is not the case with “My Greatest Fears” by Josefine Neumann. Despite its apparent length, the album flies by almost unnoticed—nearly an hour feels like a moment.

Josefine skillfully uses the advantages of the digital format to tell her story in detail. Each track contributes uniquely to the overall picture, allowing the listener to thoroughly and repeatedly delve into her world of thoughts.

The cover of the album features an old wooden pier stretching out into the sea. It looks like a place at the edge of the world, with the light adding a touch of mystique and melancholy to every detail. This choice for the cover is definitely not random. Piers always symbolize something—farewells, reunions, beginnings, and ends of journeys. It seems like a metaphor for Josefine’s life, as she explores the dark corners of her fears in her songs.

My Greatest Fears Album cover

Every beam of the pier seems soaked in salt and winds, and if you listen closely, you can hear the echoes of past storms. All this speaks to the experiences one must go through to face one’s fears head-on, the central theme of the album. I noticed that the photograph of the pier is crafted in a way that it appears both real and somewhat detached from the viewer, creating a sense of presence and at the same time, an invisible distance.

“My Greatest Fears” begins with the curtain-raising intro “How,” where the a cappella richly flows into the ears, laying down a soft carpet for everything that follows. The album has a sense of lightness, tickling the skin, and then the track “Bigger Man” showcases how Josefine Neumann skillfully crafts hits. The combination of rapid fingerpicking and soft acoustic vocals makes it a heartfelt confession that pierces through. “My Greatest Fears,” being the jewel of the album, stands out with its uniqueness and power, reflecting all the key moments of the entire record.

Josefine Neumann’s candid lyrics have a way of touching the soul. They are filled with metaphors that can illuminate the path to healing for those lost in their thoughts. Her tracks consistently keep you on edge, setting the pace for everything that follows, including the sensual “Andromeda.” In this track, the cosmic sound, deep bass, and Josefine’s high vocals soar so effortlessly that it captivates the soul. The gentleness of transitions and vocal ascensions is reminiscent of soaring high in the sky. “Andromeda” evokes melancholy and centers all attention around it, as if you’re in the room with your best friend who’s always ready to listen. It’s very personal and captivating. Undoubtedly, this track is one of the most powerful on the album!

photo by @phantom_jelly_fish

Midway through the album, the track ‘Invisible’ simultaneously envelops with tenderness and drama. Josefine Neumann’s high vocals captivate with their softness, hypnotically holding attention.

I like how Josefine plays with sounds. In the song “Little Bird,” her vocals are high and emotional, and the guitar overflows create a sensation of delicate bird chirping. This song is deeply sensual, capable of bringing both tears and smiles. Simply flawless!

The album concludes with the tracks “Amnesia” and “Sea-Glass Eyes,” which create a cyclical sound. The vocal in “Amnesia” captivates, scattering into echoes and supported by a swaying rhythm and bass, creating an epic effect.

In the final track “Sea-Glass Eyes” Josefine’s voice takes on lower tones and sounds more melancholic. It’s like a dialogue is playing out, and the singer’s vocal mastery is fully revealed in the final track. It’s the perfect ending to the album, leaving a lingering desire to hear more.

Well, I’ll just add that the album’s title speaks for itself. In the darkest corners of our souls, every fear can be turned into a melody. Josefine Neumann does this with the ease of a master who knows how to navigate through challenging moments and come into the light with stories worth being heard. We, as listeners, are invited not only to enjoy the beauty of her voice and melodies but also to discover that our fears can be a source of our strength. It’s interesting to think about what she will offer next, but for now, this album perfectly complements her extensive discography.

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub