Charley and Jesi - With LOVE

Charley and Jesi

With LOVE
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

I’ll admit the idea of another husband and wife duo making music makes me cringe. When I heard the viral self marketing, Eskimo-kissing sensation US the duo that make Top 40 style pop I needed to listen to Sunn O))) for two weeks straight in order to get the sound out of my ears. Although the duo Charley and Jesi are similar they have a bit more integrity and variety. They recently released an album entitled with LOVE. 

The songs are immediately accessible pop songs about being in love, finding love and more love. It’s pretty much a Hallmark card in album form. The album cover is a picture of them kissing. I’m sure the band admits to themselves that some of the songs can be hokey and can easily be played over the ending credits of a romantic comedy. 

The album starts off with the most grit you will be presented with entitled “Hurry Up and Take Your Time.” It contains a bluesy/rock vibe that as it progresses becomes more festive and intense. Not a bad feel good song. The second track is pure sap anyway you look at it. Jesi sings “I just want you by my side I just want you day and night” and “always love you, cherish every move, I need you.” Not exactly the most original or poetic lyrics in the world but who needs metaphors anyway.

“Better Baby” is another song about how good it feels to be in love. Jesi sings about how her partner makes her better, that she is love, etc. “Lunar Dream” drops a bit of style and swag. It’s ‘70s style R&B sounds good on the duo and I encourage more of it. “Better Day” is also an enjoyable track that musically has some resemblance to CCR. “Just Wanna Dance” is surprise - their dance track! They combine a steady kick with organ that feels like a less cocaine-fueled but more love-fueled ABBA track. The tune is pretty catchy from top to bottom.

Being in love is kind of like being trapped in a bubble of good vibes. The outside world all of sudden seems like a decent place. You smile more, you laugh more, you sleep better and you have a newly discovered sense of empathy for that annoying co-worker. This is kind of what this album is like. It doesn’t look at the darkness. Charley and Jesi sing about things like dancing in a club and having a wonderful time. Even the song about the love interest not picking up the phone feels frivolous when it’s built around a fun, slightly generic sounding reggae groove. 

This album will resonate most with people who just fell in love or are in love. I’m not joking. There’s nothing better than listening to songs about being in love when you're actually in love. On the other hand if your life is in the toilet because of accumulating legal fees from that good-for-nothing cheating ex-husband of yours then you may want to hold off on listening to this album until things turn around.

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