There’s a special kind of magic when a friend drops an EP — and it’s good. Jasmine Janaye’s Note to Self isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a whole mood, a little reminder to keep betting on yourself. From the first track, I was pulled into her intimate, electric world — and honestly? I’ve run up the streams!
What To Expect
Tracks: 6
Influences: Jazz, Indie, and Rock
Vibe: Relax and relate
Track-by-Track
SHE’S GONE
From the opening keys of a mellow piano, “She’s Gone” feels like a slow build into a musical conversation between herself and who she’s becoming.
Jasmine Janaye’s delivery is beautifully honest, which feels just right for the message. The lyrics read like pages from a personal journal, yet they’re universal — anyone chasing something, or needing to let go of something, will find pieces of themselves here.
The instrumental keeps things warm, grounded, and just dramatic enough, while the vocal flow moves with just enough lift to keep you leaning in. There’s a simplicity to the production that works beautifully, letting the words do most of the heavy lifting. It doesn’t try to do too much — and that’s exactly where its charm lies.
Standout Moment
The refrain feels like a mantra. It sticks. You’re sure to be singing it throughout the day.
Lyric Takeaway
“See, my higher self she told me I was slippin’. Giving all my energy to build someone else's dream.”
Final Thought
Sometimes, a soft, jazzy reflection hits harder than a shout. It’s about sincerity over spectacle — and that’s a lesson everyone can carry.
Play this on a solo drive. Or during a quiet work session. Or anytime you need a pause to remember why you need to pursue your dreams.
BETTER
From the opening notes, Better feels like a deep exhale. It carries that perfect blend of vulnerability and quiet strength — like standing at the edge of something new, still holding the weight of what came before, but beginning to believe in what’s next.
Jasmine Janaye’s vocals are full of warmth and intention. There’s a raw sincerity in her tone — not over-polished, not trying too hard, just real.
The production is gentle but steady. Subtle instrumentation lets her airy voice take the lead, creating a space that feels almost like a conversation with yourself — the part of you that knows you’re not perfect, and that’s okay.
Standout moment:
The way she leans into the word “better” — it’s not just a lyric, it’s an affirmation. It feels like she’s speaking it into existence, not just for herself, but for anyone listening who needs to hear it.
Lyric Takeaway
Well, if this is the bottom, I’ve gone the lowest I can go. I’ll change direction. Won’t catch me making the same decision.
Final Thought
Better is a beautiful reminder that progress is personal and non-linear. The song invites you to appreciate the small, quiet steps toward improvement, even when there are setbacks. Growth isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s a whisper that says, keep going. I’ll do better this time.
Play this when you need gentle encouragement. It’s perfect for reflective moments — journaling, or morning routines.
SUNFLOWER
Sunflower blooms slowly but confidently. From the very first notes, it carries this sun-soaked, mellow vibe — like an early morning drive with the windows down, or that quiet moment when you realize you’ve made it through something heavy.
Jasmine’s vocals feel like sunlight on your skin: soft, comforting, but still powerful in their presence. She delivers her lyrics less like a performance and more like a personal offering, as if she’s handing you a small piece of her growth to carry with you.
Lyrically, the song is rich with metaphor. The sunflower and the moon become perfect symbols of resilience and quiet beauty. There’s an undercurrent of self-love and steady perseverance running through the track, making it feel like both a pep talk and a peaceful moment of reflection.
The production stays smooth and minimal, letting Jasmine’s voice and words take center stage. You can feel the intentionality in its simplicity, giving you space to breathe and really take in the message.
Standout Moment
The moment she sings, “the world around me gets older,” but still chooses to “rise like the sunflower,” it lands with this quiet power. It feels like it was written for anyone deep in the growing pains, a reminder to keep reaching for the light — even when life be lifing (because, let’s be real, it always does).
Lyric Takeaway
So I reach for the sun like a sunflower. Stretching up to the sky. Till the day’s final hour.
Final Thought
“Sunflower” is a quiet celebration of resilience. It’s the kind of song that reminds you to stay grounded in your journey, to keep reaching for the light, and to trust that growth—even the slow kind—is still growth.
Play this when you need a gentle reminder to be patient with yourself. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those reflective moments.
VIVED DREAMS
“Vivid Dreams” feels like stepping into a memory you don’t want to let go of. There’s a hazy, almost cinematic quality to the track — like floating between reality and a dream.
Jasmine’s voice is smooth and intimate here, like a quiet conversation with yourself late at night when the world is still. She captures that vulnerable yet hopeful energy of lingering on a past love.
The production supports this perfectly: ambient, dreamy, and immersive. This track doesn’t rush you; it invites you to settle in, close your eyes, and feel your way through it.
Standout Moment
When the track pulls back, and it’s just the piano and Jasmine’s voice, the moment feels quietly romantic. It draws you deeper into the dream, into that space so many of us know, where memories blur with what-ifs, and you let yourself linger there just a little longer.
Lyric Takeaway
Vivid dreams feel like a memory from a future where you and me, let things play out a little differently.
Final thought
“Vivid Dreams” is a reminder that sometimes our minds drift into a romanticized state of what could’ve been. The song encourages you to reflect and be vulnerable with yourself.
Play this when you need to reflect on past or present relationships, do some journaling, or simply take a moment to let your mind…dream.
CHANCES
From the very first notes, “Chances” pulls you in with its mellow, hopeful vibe. You can feel Jasmine’s tug-of-war between hope, hesitation, and bravery. Funny enough, there’s a clever twist — I initially thought this song was about a person, but plot twist: it’s not. It’s about taking a chance on yourself and leaning into those serendipitous moments.
Her vocals are tender, delivered with just the right balance of hope and strength, making you feel good about taking risks — even when the outcome is uncertain.
The production is clean and spacious, giving her voice and message room to breathe. Subtle instrumental touches — a soft beat, delicate background layers — create an atmosphere that feels introspective without ever losing momentum.
Standout Moment
There’s a melody change at the end of the song that feels like a direct moment of reflection — almost like a gentle nudge, a reminder to take a chance and trust that inner voice.
Lyric Takeaway
Giving you chances after chances to move along, but the longer you linger, the stronger I think there’s a reason I might just take a chance on you.
Final Thought
“Chances” feels like a quiet anthem for anyone standing at the edge of a decision. It’s that gentle nudge to take a chance — even when it feels risky. A reminder that growth doesn’t happen without a little uncertainty.
Play this when you need reassurance that it’s okay to bet on yourself. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those in-between moments when you’re gathering the courage to go all in.
NOTE TO SELF
There’s something beautifully motivating about “Note to Self.” From the very first note, Jasmine is giving us all the affirmations. By the end of the song, it honestly feels like she’s manifesting right over your life — and if you don’t feel it, I don’t know what to tell you.
Her vocals are warm and earnest, with just enough rawness to make every word land. You can hear the weight of experience behind the lyrics, but also the spark of hope that keeps you moving forward.
The instrumentation is minimal and soulful, which is perfect — it keeps the focus on the message, almost like she’s purposely giving you space to absorb the words and reflect on your own journey.
Standout Moment
When Jasmine repeats those self-affirming lines, it’s powerful in its simplicity — like she’s gently reminding herself (and us) to be patient and keep going.
Lyric Takeaway
Write it down. Read it out. Say it loud. Dream it now
Final Thought
“Note to Self” is that quiet but crucial reminder we all need — to trust the process, celebrate the small wins, and stay kind to ourselves along the way. It feels like a pause in the middle of a busy season, a moment to check in and realign with your purpose.
Play this when you’re feeling overwhelmed, questioning your path, or just need a little internal pep talk. The song has those affirmations you want to write on a sticky note and slap on your mirror.
Listen
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