pat junior - I Thought I Knew | Track-by-Track Listen
Another morning listen brought to you by pat junior. I’ve been following pat on social media, watching his artist journey for some time now and over the last several months, he’s been building anticipation for his sophomore album, I Thought I Knew. I have to say that I haven’t seen anything quite like his rollout in recent memory. I hate that I couldn’t attend his listening session held at the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina. It seemed like quite the experience as attendees wore bluetooth headphones and looked at artwork exhibited around the museum. But now, with the album having been released on Wednesday, November 6, the album is now available for the listening public on all platforms. I’ll be giving my thoughts as they come with every track. And if I know like I think I know, an experience will be had.
I’ll Admit - This piano is beautiful. The delayed and reverberant “I thought I knew” really sets the atmosphere. I really like how introspective and vulnerable pat is being here, admitting his insecurities and the thoughts working against hime. Wow. The production progression is interesting. “I’ll admit, sharing all of this is making me nervous.” Another key line. I’m going to have to come back to this track to digest it in full. pat really threw everything on his mind on the table.
Like the Waves - The lo-fi drums and the funky bassline are nice. It’s here that I remember that this album was mixed in…..4 days? Got to congratulate Brian Kidd here. I love this second verse. He mentions his wife and relationship here. I really like the bridge on this song. pat’s songwriting ability really shines on this track. How he compares feelings and thoughts to waves coming and going makes for a well-put metaphor.
SomeDays - “I don’t want to talk some days.” If this isn’t me, whew. Again, I admire his honesty. Not every day is up. Where did I hear this second verse? Maybe it was his IG story a while back. The outro shines here on both fronts – vocals and production.
Paranoia / the Healing - Not going to lie, this gives me heavy Mick Jenkins vibrations. This production could have easily fit on The Healing Component. And now here’s a change in pace that erases that whole notion. It feels like this is a call-and-answer track. He presents the problem while also providing the answer. Is this a two-part track? I haven’t made it that far to determine that. And this appears to be the resolve – off-kilter drums and pat floating on the beat. This is definitely a highlight for me. pat sounds like he’s ready to conquer his own mind.
Spice Adams - I’ve been saying this for some time, but pat has a undeniable flow. He sounds hungry. And he knows how to provide balance with a more mellow bridge. I can’t even knock pat for underwriting the hook, these verses are dense. Sorry, I love this bridge.
Better (Interlude) - I love the laid back feel of this. The skit is well-placed as well; forecasting brighter days ahead. Is this the crossroads for the album? Is this the turning point? pat is short, but hopeful here.
Summer Breeze (feat. Cyanca) - I’m excited to see Cyanca here. I discovered her music last year. Another article I wrote on her New Phone, Who Dis? I have to note the production here. Seven tracks in and the album feels super cohesive. Looking at the song credits, I see four different producers. Most tracks are produced by DSTL. I’ll have to look into that later.
Same Damn Song (feat. Ajada Reigns) - I’m not familiar with Ajada Reigns but I’m going to have look into her. She sings the hook beautifully. I know I’m mentioning other aspects other than pat but he is not disappointing on these verses. Despite the song title, each songs brings something new to the table. But it makes me wonder, if God did keep a record, would it be the same song? Is every day the same? Are we healing or reliving our problems?
Find My Way (feat. JGivens) - Another talent I’ll have to go back to. This track has a real rock feel to it and it’s not because of the electric guitar. I feel like the track is way more hype than what it’s portraying to be. You could easily mosh pit to this in the right setting.
Peace (feat. Shad) - The album is getting feature heavy in this second half. I love the groove, easy going. This album has a defined story arc. Going from the intro of being trapped in his mind, to becoming settled with himself, I appreciate the journey. I honestly feel like this music could help someone. All of the elements are present – production, voice, message.
Conversations With My Pastor - Alright, I know I heard this before. Again, I think it was on his IG story. This is why it’s so important to follow these artists in whatever way possible. They provide sneak peeks and what’s going on behind the scenes. And if you’re an artist out there, no matter the scale of your following, these things are impactful. You never know who might catch your snippet, who might become a fan off of previewing your new work.
You can stream and purchase I Thought I Knew on Apple Music.
Make sure to follow pat junior on Soundcloud, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.