Jamie Paige delivers more sugary perfection with a new deluxe edition

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Jamie Paige’s “Constant Companions” stands out as a powerful record and notable release of 2024, seamlessly combining catchy synths, thoughtful lyrics, and innovative vocaloid exploration. With the addition of six fresh tracks today, the album takes on an even richer emotional and sonic depth.

Using recurring themes and melodies, these songs skillfully blend personality, drive, and honesty amidst playful electronic backdrops. At times they are excessively rich and bitter-sweet, yet this is precisely where Paige shines, ensuring the experience remains delightful.

As a gamer, I appreciate how deluxe editions often include additional tracks, even though they’re usually added at the end. However, what makes it more exciting for me is when the developers cleverly insert the first new song right before the second to last track, enhancing my gaming experience with a fresh, unexpected tune.

Compelling emotional peaks from Jamie Paige

Musically, “Clouddrop” delves into the depths of contemplating suicide, searching for even a single motivation to persevere. This raw emotionality is underscored by powerful guitars and a persistent rhythm that gradually builds, only to be transformed suddenly with a tender, synth-supported bridge of introspection.

The song reaches its peak when the singer experiences a life-affirming realization, echoing the initial lyrics of the track in the same soothing tone as before. Notably, this lengthy seven-minute composition is the longest song Paige has ever published, but she skillfully utilizes every moment within it.

Upon finishing the main part of “Constant Companions“, you will encounter the standalone track from the deluxe version titled “BIRDBRAIN”. This upcoming hit single for Paige is marked by its unique and energetic blend of bridge instrumentation and an accordion solo provided by OK Glass. The song offers a strange, glitchy burst of vitality.

Teto’s performance has a unique, slightly tense quality that lends an unexpected depth to the track, contrasting with the typically mechanical sound of Vocaloid voices. The lyrics, cleverly written to express self-aware foolishness, are accompanied by an upbeat, meticulously produced sound that’s both playful and crisp, like biting into a sweet, crunchy treat.

A mixed bag of bonus tracks

Paige’s shortest song titled ‘Shiny Chariot’ seems to lose appeal quickly despite its brevity. Lacking any significant instrumental development, the track primarily relies on a repeated chorus throughout its duration, giving it a demo-like quality rather than a polished piece.

Midway through the premium tracks, “Strawberry” is an unassuming yet endearing newcomer. With its soft synth punctuations and effortless pace, it feels invigorating and seamlessly glides by. It’s not particularly complex, which can be a nice change from more thought-provoking pieces.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate “Manifesto” for its well-crafted structure and the energetic tunes that echo the rhythm of earlier tracks. There are plenty of delightful nods to the rest of the album, but sometimes, these callbacks make it feel slightly repetitive, as it lacks a significant amount of fresh, unique elements.

The last song is titled “Dance Delightfully,” and it made its debut a few months back as part of the MACHINA MORI collection. It showcases a powerful house rhythm that almost overpowers the vocals. Interestingly, it also incorporates elements from the original album by sampling and interpolating songs, but manages to keep things interesting this time around.

In summary, the deluxe version offers substantial enhancements that effectively outweigh any potential drawbacks. It provides “Constant Companions” with a conclusion that was previously incomplete, making it seem like an admirable improvement. Furthermore, this further emphasizes Jamie Paige’s mastery of her craft.

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2025-07-11 17:00