Down to Earth

iTunes Review

For an album entitled Down to Earth, Jem's sophomore effort glides like it was birthed in the heavens. There are earthy elements like organic Brazilian percussion on the title track, a looped banjo on "Crazy," and some spicy Latin flavors on "I Want You To." But those foundations serve as a launching pad for the astral song craft found in the celestial grooves of "It's Amazing," where it sounds like a choir of robots are harmonizing before the last chorus. "How Would You Like It" ignites skyward soaring melodies and otherworldly vocals that could have been tracked from inside the helmet of an astronaut suit. And though "Aciiid!" attempts to recreate the bouncing and lysergic vibes of early 1990s rave culture, the wonky synthesizers, retro cyborg effects, and Japanese singing all make for a soundscape that could accompany a scene from the 1982 Ridley Scott sci-fi classic Blade Runner. "On Top Of The World" finalizes Down To Earth with the sound of waves lapping to a mechanical rhythm followed by sporadic keyboard notes and Jem's cosmic coos singing lyrics about planet earth as a travel destination.