“Open When” is the vibrant new single from SistersJ you didn’t know you needed this summer. SistersJ consists of real life sisters Elizabeth and Lily Jackson. Music runs through Elizabeth and Lily’s veins, Elizabeth received her degree in music education with honors and Lily is a salutatorian who placed third in the nation with her vocal solo’s. Elizabeth and Lily have been harmonizing since their youth, so it was only a matter of time before they formed SistersJ. The duo is currently based out of Nashville working with acclaimed music producer Ted “Theo” Perlman and hit songwriter Thornton Cline. As soon as “Open When” begins you know that the Jackson sisters were built to make music. “Open When” is a billowy, effortless song about navigating the heartache of being away from someone you love. SistersJ expertly acknowledge the pain and loneliness of being apart while using their enriched voices to create an atmosphere of levity.
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Right away “Open When” seeks to enchant it’s listener. The vocals are front and center throughout the track, highlighting the otherworldly quality of SistersJ. What I like about “Open When” is that the whole song is designed to soothe the soul and make one feel better, no matter what they’re going through. From the vocals to the melody, the whole song is soaked in an uplifting feeling. There’s a delicate nature to SistersJ’s vocals that balances out the weight of the song’s message beautifully. “Open When” seems to emit light and beauty instantaneously, this is a rare and dynamic quality that provides listeners with a song and an artistic experience. There were multiple times where I was lost in the melody and harmony of this track. Although it is light and effortless it has a powerful presence that lingers in your heart. The sweetness of Elizabeth and Lily’s voice pairs well with the universal experience they’re singing about. Their vocals instantly inform you on the perspective they have on the matter, allowing for the song to start healing and uplifting your spirit from the moment you hit play.
The subject matter of “Open When” struck me because of how personal yet relatable it is. The song covers the painful feelings that accompany being separated by distance from the person you love. SistersJ masterfully capture the essence of that pain without making a song that is somber in tone and full of melancholia. Instead SistersJ opt for the positive outlook, by reminding the loved one they’re singing to, that although it may be difficult, there is a way to get through it. Open this token of love (a letter) whenever you’re feeling down and you’ll feel better. The lyrics, “Open when you forget where you belong/Open when you want to feel closer to me,” expertly touch on how the little things in love can take us very far emotionally. One of my favorite lyrics is, “When we’re finally in each other’s arms/We’ll pick up where we both left off/As if time and space were never lost/And our love’s always existed.” The combination of ethereal vocals, soulful lyrics, and that bright melody allow SistersJ to turn the love song inside-out.
By never leaning into feelings of heartache, SistersJ distinguish themselves as an artist. “Open When” is a dynamic song with a distinct sound and feeling to it that belongs solely to SistersJ. There is a true sense of creativity and artistic exploration happening in “Open When.” While “Open When” is their debut single it feels like SistersJ already have a strong musical identity and presence to them that often comes from performers who have a few tours under their belt. The vocal range that Elizabeth and Lily can reach opens a whole new world for SistersJ and their audience.
“Open When” is the effervescent love song of the summer. This track will brighten your life whether you’re in a relationship or not, which is the mark of a powerful song. SistersJ are at the beginning of a long and fruitful career with their angelic vocals and unique lyrical perspective. “Open When” is an unexpected gem that will take you by surprise with its levity and never leave your head or your heart. One thing is certain, the possibilities for SistersJ are boundless! Check out “Open When” now and prepared to be transported elsewhere!
Troy Johnstone