Folk/Review Josh Jensen - Be Human (feat. Hannah Wyatt)

Josh Jensen grew up in eastern Washington, raised on the likes of Grand Ole Opry greats Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Charley Pride. Soon enough he and his cousins were performing for the family, which led naturally enough into forming bands of his own. Hannah Wyatt is an indie-folk singer/songwriter with a dark Americana edge.

Josh Jensen and Hannah Wyatt's poignant and topical folk-pop duet "Be Human" skillfully and candidly conveys the complexities of our present day. The song strikes a mix between warmth and intensity, drawing inspiration from the storytelling traditions of classic singer-songwriters as well as the progressive acoustic styles of artists like Jonah Smith and Punch Brothers.

Poetic and moving, the song's lyrics make a soft but forceful plea for harmony in a divided world. "Be Human," which was partially influenced by the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and current affairs, examines empathy, division, and the constant struggle to find common ground. The tune has a subtle power since the message is conveyed sincerity rather than force.

The spontaneous construction of "Be Human" is what makes it so captivating. Josh Jensen used only a phone to record his sections, and the result is a stunning example of Lo-Fi intimacy. Without sacrificing the song's unadulterated emotional essence, the partnership with engineer Luke Rain and performer Hannah Wyatt improves it. Wyatt's voice blends in well with Jensen's to produce a harmony that is both earthy and ethereal, adding a profound richness.

"Be Human" is a moment of introspection encased in melody, not just a song. It reminds us of the profound yet straightforward truth in its title, and it appeals to listeners of all ages and genres. Hannah Wyatt and Josh Jensen have created a song that is both globally relatable and intensely personal.