It’s time again to write my favorite article. The man is back again with his second EP this year. This time it’s his ninth EP titled SUMMER 19. Throughout the past two months, Jake Miller has released five new songs and a new music video. The slow release has given fans the time to obsess over each new song. Every release has been heralded as Miller’s next big hit. This style of EP has highlighted each song and created a far more intimate atmosphere around each song.
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OCEAN AWAY
The first song released is a wonderful LDR anthem that could fit in a club or coffee shop. This song details how Miller and his girlfriend stayed strong through her four years of college, which he explained his reasons for not attending in Beast Mode. The girlfriend is now moving across the Pacific. The synth creates a sort of surreal feel to the song. There is a great distance described in the song and is reflected in the beat and singing, which seem to almost fluctuate. A beautiful song that seems almost like Miller is speaking more to himself than to his partner.
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NERVOUS
A trope that always makes me bubbly inside is when guys admit they are nervous to talk to a girl or admit their feelings. It is just very cute, and Miller has always set relationship goals. The chorus is absolutely beautiful. It sounds like a big scene in a movie where the main characters finally meet up and kiss. The beat is extremely well done and easy to dance to. This song is probably my favorite on the EP. The lyrical genius, killer beat, and theme are the perfect combination.
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LAST TEXT
This song has a much more folksy sound to it than Miller’s previous songs and he makes it work. Miller creates a beat that seems to continuously end, reflective of the theme of the song that he is sending the last text to his ex ever. I greatly appreciate that Miller is moving on and, while keeping the romantic theme, is expressing his respect of his ex’s boundaries. The cute little “message sent” sounds in the song add a great element to it.
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15 MINUTES
The challenge of all relationships with people who are geographically close, when they are merely 15 minutes away and visit the same local spots, you are bound to see them. The clappy start to the song is super fun and Miller provides easy to follow lyrics. His chorus lamenting being only 15 minutes from his ex and how hard it is on him has such a late 2000s vibe I swear I’m listening to it on my Barbie stereo tuned to Radio Disney. It’s a sad but catchy song that Miller delivers on the beautifully done sound and lyrics.
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COULD HAVE BEEN YOU
The final release and only music video of the EP, this song ties the entire theme of the EP together. Miller has struggled with his breakup for the past few years after his girlfriend of over eight years and him broke up. He has expressed in many songs his desire to one day reconnect, that he does not want to see her with others, and he deeply misses her. However, unlike 15 MINUTES, he seems to finally have made a song where he is in a better place. Though the song is the only one to feature explicit language, which Miller rarely utilizes in his music, it fits the tone. This song is all about revenge and being happy with someone who appreciates it. The self-assurance is refreshing and shows Miller’s growth. This is also one of the more hip-hop inspired songs on the EP. Not to mention, the music video is beautifully done.
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Miller may not have released an album this year, but the two EPs make up for it. This hardworking guy has provided quality content to dance to, to cry to, and to absolutely love. Every release shows the man’s talent to write, play, and sing. Only more excellence is to come and we all eagerly await!