Julie Geller impresses on her latest 11-track release, You’re With Me. Throughout the album, she combines her quirky and personal narratives with Psalms and Jewish prayers for a truly unique musical experience. While songs like album opener, “Insides Out” demonstrate her distinction as an artist, it is on the tracks where she sings in Hebrew that leaves the greatest impact.
Raised in Denver, Colorado, Geller has lived in Boston, San Diego and Israel. Throughout her travels and songwriting, she aims to bring love and healing to the world. As a result, her third album, which combines original folk and Jewish music, is empowering and refreshing. Whether she is singing in English or Hebrew, her passion for music is evident.
You’re With Me begins with the soulful “Insides Out.” An appropriate first track, Geller’s airy vocals and seductive musical accompaniment captivate the listener. A tale about embracing one’s awkwardness and finding courage to be oneself, Geller gets her point across with a slow rap-like singing style. Never overpowering or too preachy, “Insides Out” is refreshing and makes the listener wonder what the rest of the album will entail.
Next track, “Let It Be Love,” sounds reminiscent to a gospel choir with soft organs and piano heard in the background. Quite the transition from the rap-like first track, Geller’s diversity is evident throughout the entirety of You’re With Me. “Let It Be Love” follows suit with Geller singing Psalm 118, titled “Min Hametzar.” Strings and light percussion combined with her delicate vocals in Hebrew are a relaxed and welcomed change. It is on the tracks where she sings in Hebrew that she impresses most. “Elokai” is another example. From the amidah, the daily silent prayer, Geller’s uplifting vocals strike a chord. The listener need not understand Hebrew to sense the power this prayer holds.
Title track, “You’re With Me” embodies delicate guitar finger picking and soft flute accompaniment. Throughout the ballad, Geller’s voice soars over the track well; never forced or overpowered. She quickly switches gears on the fun, fast-paced “Here We Go Again.” With striking clarinet interludes, and prompt pauses in the music, “Here We Go Again” is a fitting diversion from the more serious “Elokai.”
The relatable, “Driving” tells the tale of a woman who is uncertain of her path in life. A common theme throughout the album, Geller keeps the listener intrigued with vivid imagery and an edgy percussion beat. “Is this the life that I wanted to lead?” she asks in confusion.
While “Driving” ends without a concrete resolution, last track on You’re With Me, “Time to Fly” closes with more confidence. Upbeat with a piano interlude and an electric guitar fadeout, Geller sings with great emotion. “Cause I used to worry and think it all through/And struggle and ponder then one day I knew/That I know inside/I know/Like I know it is best, although it is daunting/To be who I am when it’s not who they’re wanting.”
You’re With Me is no doubt a strong release for Geller. However, if the listener is not aware of the Jewish prayers and psalms the initial reaction may be of surprise. While Geller’s strength lies within alternating between singing in Hebrew and English, it may be more suitable to compile a separate album solely with Jewish prayers as to not disrupt the flow on You’re With Me.
Review by Annie Reuter
