Island Records duo Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, best known as Jack & Jack, recently released their debut album, “A Good Friend Is Nice,” on Friday, Jan. 11. Jack & Jack has been thriving on social media since 2013 when they started their Vine account, and they have been working hard ever since.
Starting with just comedy, Jack & Jack soon ventured into music, which substantially increased their fanbase. The debut album features 12 songs that cover topics of love, heartbreak, friendship and other life events fans around the world can relate to.
The album starts off with the song, “No One Compares To You,” the single taking over radio stations across the country. The song touches upon the feelings and thoughts that arise when a breakup occurs and how it is hard to move on because that person is still on your mind.
“Lotta Love” is the following song, which has a mysterious vibe and a slow-starting melody that works up to the chorus. The passion and intense feelings that Gilinsky and Johnson felt during their past relationships can be heard in the lyrics, “I can’t make you love me if you don’t.” The song concludes with the notion of moving forward into relationships with other people, despite the fact that they may face hardships.
On a more positive side, “Barcelona” is a very relaxed song featuring a mariachi band slowly playing in the background. Johnson’s rapping skills are demonstrated toward the end of the song, where he raps about what is separating them from a girl they found in Barcelona.
The next track is “April Gloom,” which has a hip-hop sound with an upbeat melody and numerous echoes throughout.
“Promise Me” has a slow but gradual buildup with a stately chorus emphasizing the duo’s powerful emotions. The track also has a futuristic sound with synthesized noises similar to that of a robot, creating a feeling of curiosity for what is to come.
The rest of the tracks showcase Johnson’s and Gilinsky’s vocals and exquisite song-writing skills that have led them to accumulate over 2.6 million followers on Instagram. One of their hit singles, “Rise,” featuring recording artist and producer Jonas Blue, has sold over 500,000 units.
Jack & Jack just started their “A Good Friend Is Nice” tour in Europe on Thursday, Feb. 21, and they’re coming to North America in April. Jack & Jack will be performing two shows in New York City at Irving Plaza on Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26. Spencer Sutherland recently announced on his Twitter that he will be joining Jack & Jack on some of their tour dates in North America as a supporting act.
