Somewhere in Oklahoma’s heartland, where the sky is resiliently painted and the horizon stretches vast, there is a storyteller whose songs speak to the spirit of the region. The life story of Jared Deck, which intertwines themes of hardship, genuineness, and creative rebirth, is a monument to the transformational potential of music. The untamed beauty of the surroundings and the resilient nature of the locals influenced Jared Deck’s formative years in Norman, Oklahoma. He was brought up in a blue-collar family and understood early on the importance of tenacity and hard work—qualities that would later come to define his sound.
The unique gathering of a megachurch band was where Jared Deck’s musical career started, and it was there that he developed his songwriting and musicianship. However, a series of unfortunate events, such as layoffs and being expelled from the megachurch band, forced him to confront the hard reality of life away from the limelight. But Deck didn’t give up; instead, he turned his struggles into poignant lyrics and enthralling melodies through music, which gave him inspiration and solace.
In 2019, he achieved recognition as he became victorious in the esteemed Woody Guthrie Folk Festival songwriting competition, receiving praise from both reviewers and enthusiasts. His powerful folk, rock, and Americana blend resonated with audiences across, capturing the spirit of the American heartland. Jared Deck is one of Oklahoma’s most promising musicians because of the recognition he received from prestigious magazines like Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and PopMatters for his talent and drive.
However, Jared Deck’s adventure didn’t end there. His unexpected career change from singer to Democratic Oklahoma State Representative saw him win the seat with a resounding majority and commit to helping the community both on and off the stage. His dedication to serving the public good and his love of music came together to create a stunning symphony of artistic expression and action that encouraged others to find their own voices and change the world.
And now, with the release of his much awaited album “Head Above Water,” Jared Deck returns to his first love—music—after wrapping up his first parliamentary term. With a release date of May 10th, 2024, this record will serve as a showcase for Deck’s perseverance, imagination, and commitment to his work. With each piece telling a tale of struggle and victory, from the powerful rock rhythms of “Mountain Valley Road” to the soul-stirring balladry of “Songs About Love,” Deck’s life is skillfully woven into a stunning musical tapestry.
Echoing Jared Deck’s personal experience of overcoming misfortune and finding strength in the face of adversities, “Head Above Water” embodies the theme essence of resilience, hope, and personal progress. The album’s songs explore the intricacies of life, and each one approaches topics of love, grief, and redemption with a sensitivity and honesty that befits its investigation. In spite of life’s upheaval, Deck offers as a constant reminder to listeners that there is always hope and a means to stay afloat by leading them through the highs and lows of the human experience.
Head Above Water Album Track List:
Mountain Valley Road:
One of the best songs on Jared Deck’s album “Head Above Water,” “Mountain Valley Road,” is an engrossing audio tour of the rock genre. I’m pulled into a realm of reflection and self-awareness from the minute the heavenly strings of the acoustic guitar open the show. The beat develops with the ideal blend of soft and heavy rock components, and Deck’s commanding yet gentle vocals bring the lyrics to life with accuracy.
The exotic roll of the drum beat at the 0:28 timestamp signals the opening of a new dimension, accompanied by the deep essence of the bass, the gentle touch of the piano, and the electrifying strings of the guitar—all coming together in perfect harmony to create a mesmerizing rock rhythm that resonates with every mood. Throughout the song, Deck’s vocal prowess shines as he weaves a tale of exquisite music, enhanced by the emergence of astral backup vocals that add a new kind of elegance to the track.
What truly sets “Mountain Valley Road” apart is its beautiful and unique instrumental arrangement and orchestration, with dynamic guitar riffs between the 2:00 and 2:11 timestamp that send shivers down the spine with their ecstatic energy. In “Mountain Valley Road,” Jared Deck skillfully blends parts of hard and soft rock to produce an energizing and contemplative soundscape. The song’s lively cadence is maintained throughout, enticing listeners to go on a reflective and self-discovery voyage.
Deck touches on themes like resiliency, persistence, and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul in his lyrics, which have a genuine and profound resonance. Every instrument on the song adds to the complex fabric of sound as it progresses, culminating in an intense and emotionally charged crescendo that is sure to stay with you. Every aspect of the song is expertly composed to perfection, exhibiting Deck’s unmatched skill and musical brilliance, whether it be the electric guitar’s thunderous riffs or the acoustic guitar’s sublime strings.
Head Above Water:
Off the first ten seconds of listening, “Head Above Water,” a captivating single off Jared Deck’s self-titled album, captivated me. It’s a work of art. I was taken to a far-off auditory world as the music developed, one in which each component had been painstakingly and expertly created. While the melody flowed with beauty and majesty, the rhythm, delicate yet full of life, pulsated with vitality. The ethereal guitar strings and rhythmic drum beat created a mesmerizing interplay that danced easily with Jared Deck’s powerful and passionate vocals, which were accompanied by gentle angelic backup vocals.
From the emergence of the bass deep within the shadows to the delicate explosion of charming guitar strings at the 2:00 timestamp, every moment of “Head Above Water” was a melodically alluring journey that flowed with beauty and perfection. The amazing guitar solo that runs the entire song from start to finish is what really makes “Head Above Water” stand out. The song is made even more alluring and remarkable by the guitar strings’ mesmerizing melodies and alluring rhythms, which take it to new musical heights.
I was enthralled with the complex interaction between the instruments as I listened, each note resonating with depth and emotion. The song’s entire arrangement, from the mellow, angelic vocals that blended in the shadows to the catchy percussion beats, was masterfully composed to produce an absolutely amazing listening experience.
Amorita:
A highlight from Jared Deck’s album “Head Above Water,” “Amorita,” is a genre-bending masterwork that expertly combines parts of salsa and rock into a captivating aural tapestry. I was instantly swept away into a world of vivid rhythms and catchy melodies that are unlike anything I’ve ever heard as the music starts. A full-on salsa vibe permeates the atmosphere, conjuring visions of dance floors and Latin rhythms, as the steady, percussive rhythm of the drum and the lovely, delicate strings of the guitar set the scene.
Gentle yet passionate, Jared Deck’s vocals float over the song, enticing listeners with their alluring charm and intensity. What really makes “Amorita” unique is its ability to expertly and gracefully blend two very different musical styles. The song swings between several genres so smoothly that it creates a dynamic and thrilling listening experience, from the subtle salsa vibe that supports Deck’s vocals to the deep rock element that appears around the 1:50 mark.
As the drum beat gains vibrance and the electric guitar unleashes electrifying riffs, the song reaches new heights of intensity and emotion, culminating in a powerful sustained scream from Jared Deck that sends shivers down the spine. Yet, even as the song returns to its softer rock salsa vibe at the 2:39 timestamp, the danceable rhythm and sweet melodies continue to captivate and enchant, leaving listeners craving more.
Songs About Love:
“Songs About Love,” a beautiful and poignant single from Jared Deck’s album “Head Above Water,” is a masterwork of soft rock with its delicate melodies and poignant vocals that perfectly encapsulates the sentiment of passion. I was immediately enthralled with the song’s opening melody, which sets the stage for an entrancing voyage into the depths of love with its soft padding of a drum rhythm and sweet guitar strings. A sensation of warmth and closeness is created by the gentle piano notes and the beautiful bass flow that lead into Jared Deck’s seductive voice.
Each instrument becomes more vibrant as the song goes on, culminating in a romantic and emotional crescendo that is sure to stay in your memory. With its exquisitely composed orchestration and poignant vocals, “Songs About Love” stands out for its ability to generate a sense of gentleness and romance. A gentle, romantic vibe that envelops listeners in its warm embrace is created by the exquisite interaction between the instruments. The song hits a point of extreme emotional depth at 2:17 in the timing, with the instruments growing more intense yet keeping their romantic and emotional vibe.
The guitar strings bring a lovely flow of rhythm and romance to the fore as Jared Deck gives his all to every note, his voice resonating with emotional depth and impact. The entire “Songs About Love” stands out as grand, loving, and romantic—a real monument to the ability of music to portray the complexity of the human heart. This includes the instrumentation, vocals, arrangement, and orchestration.
Jared Deck’s “Head Above Water” weaves Americana, rock, and folk together to create a resilient and genuine musical experience that is truly transforming. The album reverberates with themes of hope, love, and endurance thanks to its powerful vocals, excellent orchestration, and heartbreaking lyrics. I encourage everyone to immerse themselves in this auditory experience, letting their senses be carried away by its intricacy and beauty. Whether you enjoy folk or rock music, “Head Above Water” is sure to make an impact and provide hope during dark times.
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