Review: Jesse Clegg – When I Wake Up (Special Edition)

Sergio reviews Jesse Clegg’s ‘When I Wake Up (Special Edition)’.

Artist Name: Jesse Clegg
Album Name: When I Wake Up (Special Edition)
Year: 2009
Genre: Pop/Rock

Jesse Clegg’s debut album, When I Wake Up, immediately catapulted the young musician into the hearts and charts of South Africa. It has done so well that his record label has decided to re-release it as a special edition with a couple of extra tracks and a bonus DVD, which features a live performance from the Nelson Mandela Theatre and all of his music videos.

It’s no secret that Jesse Clegg’s career has been aided by his famous surname, but in truth, he is musically closer to James Morrison than he is to his father, “The White Zulu” Johnny Clegg.

Combining heartfelt lyrics with acoustic guitars and many indie conventions, When I Wake Up is a soulful, mature musical venture. Despite his relatively young age, Clegg seems to be miles ahead of his peers with his masterful song writing ability and fine ear for a melody. There are no cheesy choruses, imitations or heavy reliance on studio effects – it’s just simple and tasteful pop/rock. And besides, if you can convince legendary guitarist, Dan Patlantsky, to contribute on your album, you know that it has to be decent.

The special edition of When I Wake Up is a great souvenir for Clegg fans and further proves that he doesn’t need to step out of his father’s shadow, because he is just as talented in his own right. Buy it!

Best Tracks: ‘End of the Rainbow’, ‘Girl Lost In the City’, and ‘Today’

80/100

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
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