Listening to Jaime Woods’ new release ‘I Got You’ is like being wrapped up in a warm blanket of belonging. In it’s exquisite dance between simplicity and complexity, the song cleverly navigates the meaning of the word home. We all know that the place where everything clicks often also bears complex history and baggage. Woods understands that committing to a journey with someone who makes everything make sense is the hardest thing. But it’s worth it.
Woods wastes no time telling us what this song will be about – in the first 15 seconds of the song she tells us that she’s ‘been through the best with you’, and that ‘there’s nobody better’. Simple, right? Not quite. The chorus may have simple lyrics (‘I got you, and I know that you got me, too’) and a grounding, deep down kick drum, but the vocal layers are ethereal and airy. They come at the listener from all directions, surrounding us in a wide spectrum of harmonic colors.
Woods is a superb vocalist, with a phenomenal range of tone and ability. ‘I Got You’ makes excellent use of her skills in an array of different moments. During the verses she’s almost speaking, punchy and rhythmic. In the choruses, though, it’s a different story. Lyrical and melismatic, her voice fills the whole world here, somehow being both groovy and airy at the same time.
Halfway through, just when we think we understand the pace of this song, Woods takes us by surprise once more. Suddenly we’re in a kind of bridge, one that will last the rest of the song. This unconventional section is basically one big crescendo. Layers of thick strata – delicious vocals, synths, electric guitars, and otherworldly elements – cover everything. It’s like being covered in melted chocolate. Through it all Woods sings, over and over ‘I know a house is not a home if I’m not with you.’ An important distinction.
By crafting this solid structure of sounds and hues, Woods makes it clear that she knows that a home is something to be built together, over time, with love. Equal parts prophecy and lush musicality, this song feels like a haven.
