David W. Jacobsen, a singer/songwriter, who studied at Berklee College of Music, has been writing and performing for over twenty years. The accomplished artist has released 12 albums and an additional EP since he launched his career in 2000.
In December of 2024, Jacobsen released his 12th album, ‘A Tree Falls,’ which analyzes everyday issues, such as jobs, relationships, or roommates, in a humorous light. The 7-track album introduces a new sound with interesting lyrics and acoustic melodies.
David W. Jacobsen’s songs may not be for everyone, but his unique sound enhances his ability to storytell and create narratives within his music. The main theme of this album revolves around rejection; Jacobsen addresses romantic rejection, platonic rejection, career rejection, and even artistic rejection in a satirical way that criticizes society. The types of lyricism that Jacobsen uses are fascinating, from poetic lyrics in the first song of the album, ‘No Expectations,’ to the use of real-life experiences, such as using sentences from actual rejection letters he’s received, in the song, ‘Don’t You Call Us.’
However, the musical elements of the album have room for improvement. In many of the songs, the different instruments and vocals can seem misaligned with one another; whether this was accidental or a personal choice, with more cohesion, the album itself could be elevated. Additionally, the songs sound very theatrical, as if part of a musical. For some, this campy sound can be unique and refreshing. For others, this may turn them away.
Because of the combination of fascinating lyricism but disconnected instrumentals, we have given this album a rating of 2/5 stars. Overall, we would have loved to see more variety in the songs since many sounded very similar, but we appreciated the uniqueness and vulnerability of the tracks themselves.
