Hannah Jadagu releases debut album ‘Aperture’
Reaching the end of her sophomore year of college, Hannah Jadagu shares her coming-of-age story with her debut album, “Aperture”. With the title existing as a poetic reference to the way that light travels in, the 12 track project encompasses the variety of experiences and mental back and forth unique to the transition between adolescence and adulthood. Pulling from a mix of indie pop and alternative r&b influences, Jadagu analyzes her own past and present beliefs - all while balancing the turmoil of heartbreak and failure.
While this is her first LP, the Texas-native is no stranger to sharing her personal lyrics and sound with the world. ‘Aperture’ ambitiously follows Jadagu’s already impressive 2021 EP, ‘What’s Going On?”, released just after her senior year of high school. In addition, the writer, producer, and singer uploaded a handful of original tracks to sound cloud throughout her teens.
The album begins eerily with “Expectation”, a song about unpacking your religious upbringing and questioning faith. The lyrics “How do you know?” repeat continuously as the track fades into her known single, “Say It Now”. Questions have a recurring presence throughout the project, aligning with the theme of desperately wanting to find understanding. Is it best if I don’t try? Should I have called?” Jadagu sings with a dreamy yet persistent tone as she urges someone else to end things so she doesn’t have to.
The production shines especially bright with “What You Did”, an indie pop anthem. With electric guitar and the pick up of drums as Jadagu continues to repeat justified lyrics of accusation, it’s clear that this track is a stand out.
Experimental synths carry with “Admit It”, a song dedicated to the artist’s older sister who inspired and supported her throughout their life. It is a promise to be by her sister’s side despite a sense of distance and turbulence in their relationship.
The album slows back down with, debatably, the most honest and vulnerable track on the project, “Letter To Myself”. The theme of religion continues as Jadagu sings, “I put my hands together / Gave my life up to a man that, I’ve never met.” The song feels like a starting point to a new chapter in the journey of growing up. She shares that she watched all her dreams come true - but what’s next?
20-year-old rising star Hannah Jadagu concludes her debut with a powerful reminder that “Your Thoughts Are Ur Biggest Obstacle”. It’s not a message coated in toxic positivity but rather a recognition that even if we can’t completely let go of everything holding us back we can try “leaning forward.”