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This week on Tracking––a weekly series in which we discuss our favorite songs of the year (you can check out the official list as the year progresses)––you can listen to additions from Animal Collective, Fiona Apple, Jai Paul, Twin Shadow and Grimes. (Click on the arrows to navigate through the songs.)
Jai Paul: “Jasmine” (3 of 5)
To say that Jai Paul had a lot to live up to after las year’s “BTSTU” would be a huge understatement. He memorably opened his debut single with that angelic falsetto of his––quite possibly the highest dance pop has heard since Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos––singing “don’t fuck with me, don’t fuck with me.” All that followed was universal critical acclaim and ubiquitous covers and remixes (tributes, if you will). Naturally, this line also struck a chord with prominent figures in hip hop like Drake, Pusha T and Beyoncé. Several weeks ago Paul broke his year-long silence and uploaded “Jasmine” on Soundcloud. It has since been updated with the all-important tag “(Demo).” And indeed it is a demo, its edges are rougher than that of “BTSTU,” its synth planes less brilliant, its vocals less piercing. But what is on display here, however, is Paul’s undeniable pop songwriting acumen. In fact, I’d say that in mere demo form “Jasmine” is already more immediate than its predecessor. It’s dazzling. It’s also very bold of Jai Paul to release a song as fully formed as “Jasmine” and label it as a demo months, maybe even years before the final “(Edit)” is released. (History lesson: “BTSTU” first infiltrated niche music blogs all the way back in 2007, also labeled as “(Demo).” It was then noticed by certain influential DJs in 2010 which ultimately led to Paul being snagged up by the wise XL Recordings and “BTSTU (Edit)” was released in April 2011.) When it comes down to it, “Jasmine (Demo)” is a glimpse of Jai Paul’s future, and the best part is that it sounds exactly like that –– the future. –– Luis Tovar
