Album Review
Tessa Rose Jackson – The Lighthouse
Dutch-British singer songwriter Tessa Rose Jackson recorded her third album in an isolated location deep in rural France. The Lighthouse is darker and more folk based than her previous work, with lyrics that feel far more personal. Jackson, who performed for many years under the name Someone, appears to be reclaiming her name, or indeed identity, with this new work.
The album opens with its title track, the metaphor of light giving clarity coming through strongly. The vocal becomes more prominent as the track progresses, cutting through a repetitive beat. It sets the tone for the album, which has some good tracks, although others feel a little flat.
Built To Collide, released as a single, is a self effacing song about making the same mistakes over again. The vocals are almost spoken in places, giving an intimacy to this very good track. The Man Who Wasn’t There is a dark folk song with a beat that never quite settles, giving it a disturbing feel. Grace Notes is a piano and guitar lament on roads not taken, perhaps leaving a feeling of moving on rather than regret, of thinking about the next chapter rather than what might have been.
Gently Now speaks to surviving grief and moving on. This quieter track is tender, the vocals over acoustic guitar making it emotional and deep. By Morning is lighter, perhaps exposing a more vulnerable side. It has a 70s vibe to its folky vocal delivery over gentle guitar picking. Fear That Bangs The Drums is more upbeat, extolling the virtue of letting fear go and pushing on through.
The Lighthouse is an album that takes a few listens and some time to reflect on its often introspective subject matter. It didn’t grab me at first, but the emotional power of the songs eventually drew me in. The raw and honest nature of the work, and the lovely vocal delivery throughout, make this one worth persevering with.
Label: Tiny Tiger Records
Release date: 23 January 2026