Jake Haws has designed a musical embrace with his new single, “Welcome Home,” an aural deep breath at the end of a long road. From the first unfurling of the notes, Haws takes listeners to a place of respite, where the world’s burdens seem to melt away into the melody.
It begins gently, hazy, opening on a soft-focused instrumental that promises. It’s an atmosphere that envelops you like an old friend, a comfort that deals with a sound of nostalgia that feels homely, warm, and familiar.
His talent for combining complicated musicianship and personal depth is fully displayed. From the raw, stripped-back composition, with its hint of electronic drone, the song explodes into an intimacy that takes delight in simplicity and sophistication, luxuriating in the emotion behind every chord. The production is lush but restrained enough that the hottest element of the song stays the song itself.
“Welcome Home” is a feeling of relief when you walk through the door after a long journey, the warmth of seeing familiar faces, the quiet peace of being where you’re meant to be. Whether listened to in a moment alone or shared with friends, family, and lovers, Jake Haws has created a track that hits a personal chord.
