Versatile singer/songwriter Jackie Venson releases her first single, “The Love I Give,” off her debut full length album, The Light in Me. Reminiscent of an early Alicia Keys, Venson’s nine track album is full of songs that showcase her skills as a vocalist, pianist, and guitarist.
The track is a genre-bending mix of blues, rock, soul, and R&B that is tied together by Venson’s instrumental skill and heartfelt vocals. The song is about facing a tough decision to leave a significant other because they’re not as into you as you are into them as Jackie sings,
And then there were, those nights you know. When I think I, really need you so. Your warm embrace, I long to have. Oh but the love you gave don’t match the love I give.
Like the single, the rest of the album is set to an upbeat groove wrapped in a loose, bluesy rhythm, which comes from her musical influences such as Kim Burrell, Buddy Guy, and Amy Winehouse to name a few.
Venson’s full length album is unique in the way in which it combines elements of many different styles and blends them together. The focus track “The Light I Give” is a great example of this and the album marks the successful launch of a promising career.
