Listening to Tobias Jesso Jr. feels like discovering a dusty, unlabelled master tape from 1973 in the back of a Laurel Canyon studio. The sound is anchored by a heavy, rhythmic piano style that favors emotional resonance over technical flash, creating a space that is both intimate and grand. It is music that doesn't hide its imperfections, letting the occasional vocal crack or the mechanical thud of piano pedals stay in the mix.
What sets him apart is the startling lack of irony in his songwriting. In an era of polished pop, Jesso embraces the earnestness of the great 70s troubadours like Harry Nilsson or Randy Newman. His melodies are timeless and sturdy, built on classic chord progressions that feel like they have always existed, yet his delivery is uniquely fragile and modern.
Start with his debut album, Goon. It is the definitive statement of his sound, capturing the transition from a struggling musician to a master songwriter. Tracks like 'How Could You Babe' and 'Without You' offer the perfect entry point into his world of heartbreak, hope, and beautiful, unadorned simplicity.
Tobias MacDonald Jesso Jr. (born July 11, 1985) is a Canadian musician. He signed with True Panther Sounds to release his debut album Goon (2015). He was included in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 20 Biggest Breakouts of 2015. He was the first Songwriter of the Year recipient at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards — for his work on releases by Harry Styles, Adele, FKA Twigs, Orville Peck, King Princess, Diplo, and Omar Apollo.
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →