Justine Magnusson has one of those voices you don’t forget. We’ve featured her before on the blog and we’re happy to say she’s back and this time with her debut EP, “One Less Person”. With just six songs, Justine takes us on an emotional and heartfelt journey that shows off her voice, songwriting and her ability to make you feel every word she sings.
The EP opens with “Solo” a raw and emotional song led by soft acoustic guitar. It’s quiet but powerful and you can hear every feeling in her voice. It sets the tone for the rest of the EP and pulls you in right away.
“Solstice” follows with its gentle melodies and beautiful instrumentation. This one really stuck with us. It feels like a warm, late-night conversation with someone you trust. Justine’s lyrics are thoughtful and poetic without trying too hard and the song flows in such a smooth and honest way.
The title track, “One Less Person” is where things get really personal. Written about the passing of her grandmother, the song is full of love, grief and reflection. It’s simple and honest and that’s what makes it so powerful. You can feel her pain and her love in every line. This is the kind of song you sit quietly with and maybe even shed a tear to.
Next up are “Eric’s Song” and “Maryan” two songs that show how strong Justine is as a songwriter. Her words feel personal but still relatable and she knows exactly when to hold back and when to let her vocals shine. These tracks also give us a bit of variety in sound, which keeps the EP interesting all the way through.
The EP ends with “Sweet Loretta” a song we’ve already reviewed and still love. It’s a sweet and catchy closer that leaves a lasting impression. It’s one of those songs that feels familiar in the best way, like you’ve always known it.
The production across the EP is clean and thoughtful, thanks to Marc Orrell, and the mastering by Hans DeKline brings it all together. There’s also some lovely fiddle work by Lauren Wright that adds a nice layer to the songs without taking anything away from Justine’s vocals.
Justine Magnusson has a pure and charming voice that grabs you from the very first listen. Her writing is honest and emotional and every song feels like a piece of her story. She doesn’t try to impress with big production or flashy effects, she just sings from the heart and that’s what makes her music special. This EP is a beautiful debut and we’re excited to see where she goes next. Definitely keep an eye on her.
