What's it Worth? A review of Wildcard Jeno’s “Measured in Love”
Written By: J. Washington
A baby photograph, some oxidized copper, and the voice of a therapist might seem like unlikely ingredients for a music project. But for Arkansas artist Wildcard Jeno, they're pieces of a much larger puzzle. “Measured in Love” isn't just an EP or album. It's an audio film that explores the connections between love, loss, identity, and self-worth. Think it may be worth a listen?
The audio film features 7 tracks that give the listener a closeness to Jeno’s own journey in multiple ways. Nearly each song takes you through different key relationship phases then ends with a therapist’s response to the experience (featured by Dominique Morris). Wildcard Jeno attributes this added feature in his project to Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale and The Big Stepper’s” album.
“Measured in Love” presents powerful themes with reflective tones. Through a direct yet, vulnerable delivery, one can hear real emotion that carried with him from childhood into his adulthood. Specifically, track 2, “SEMO Rain” starts to introduce us to romantic efforts that were made in vain as a young prospect and in track 4, “Living Collateral” Jeno appears to relive more moments of unrequited investments for love, but this time with more understanding. And of course there’s always that supporting voice of the therapist who connects with the disappointment– void of judgement.
At this point in the project there is somewhat of a regretful and grief-filled tone established. Nevertheless, I’d say it is something many young adults could relate to. But then there is a shift, and the track “7th Heaven” brings the journey together with an ode to Jeno’s own fiance and their story. The music shifts from a slow, and dim reflective vibe, to one that is joyful and confident (talk about black boy joy). It’s as if a discovery is made here too, as pointed out by Morris’ voice, that “Identity has to go beyond our experiences.”
The delivery is passionate throughout the tracklist and Wildcard Jeno is successful in relaying a message to soul search… by telling a true love story. But not just with another person…within oneself (which I’d argue is an already tough journey to take, and an even tougher one to express as the artist does so skillfully).
Now as for whether or not it is worth your ear? I’d actually say that if nothing else, the project leaves us with a question worth considering: How much of our worth have we allowed others to measure? Sometimes, the greatest discovery isn't finding someone who values you, but finally recognizing the value that was there all along.
Stream below:
SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/album/3NOsmxgyEYvk9zlRmH5wPh?si=Cfoq4-k8RT6wCu96ld0VJA&utm_source=copy-link
APPLE MUSIC
https://music.apple.com/us/album/measured-in-love/6829146087
AUDIO MACK
https://audiomack.com/wildcard-jeno/album/measured-in-love?share-user-id=126151
AMAZON MUSIC
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0HPTB7H95?ref=dm_sh_Rn3PL7PwgwqGHLkWglHQacjV3
YOUTUBE
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ljBtDLFeOmoFbYrSnr5_tLaEMHg_VJjdY&si=3O3l_-7XX7EgqKEr
ITUNES (For Purchase)
https://music.apple.com/us/album/measured-in-love/6829146087
