Djesse Vol. 4

Djesse Vol. 4 is the fifth studio album by English musician Jacob Collier, released on 29 February 2024. The album is the fourth and final instalment in the Djesse series, which began in 2018 with Djesse Vol. 1. The album received mixed reviews, with some praising the musical proficiency and others claiming that the project was excessive and overwhelming. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, the album received a nomination for Album of the Year. Two of the tracks were also recognized: "Bridge over Troubled Water" won for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella, and "A Rock Somewhere" was nominated for Best Global Music Performance.
Jacob Collier first become known for publishing arrangements of popular songs on YouTube in which he performed multiple instruments and layered vocal harmonies. American record producer Quincy Jones contacted Collier after the release of his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing" (1974) in 2013, eventually assuming management of his career. Collier recorded and produced his debut album In My Room (2016) independently. The album was met with a positive reception, including two Grammy Awards. NPR's Ari Shapiro describes Djesse Vol. 4 as the "culmination" of the four-album series starting with Djesse Vol. 1 (2018).
"Never Gonna Be Alone," featuring Lizzy McAlpine and John Mayer, was released on 10 June 2022; it was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals. The song was later revealed to be the first single off Collier's upcoming project Djesse Vol. 4.
"Wellll", the second single, was released on 14 July 2023, alongside a music video featuring Collier on a custom five-string electric guitar. "Little Blue," featuring Brandi Carlile, the third single, was released on 21 September 2023, with its music video. The fourth single, "Wherever I Go", features Lawrence and Michael McDonald and was released on 27 October 2023. The fifth single, "Witness Me", was released on 21 November 2023 and features Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, and Kirk Franklin.
Two new singles were released in early 2024. The sixth single, "Mi Corazón", featuring Camilo, was released on 19 January 2024. The final single, "Bridge over Troubled Water", featuring vocals by John Legend and Tori Kelly, was released on 22 February. It is a cover of the song of the same name by Simon & Garfunkel, and features uncredited vocals from Yebba.
Collier has announced a North American tour to promote the album, which played from April to June 2024.
Sputnikmusic reported that Djesse Vol. 4 had received unusually divided reactions from audiences; while some listeners applauded the musical proficiency displayed on the work, others shared feelings of "visceral disgust". A Times reviewer commented on the talent Collier shows by combining several genres on the record, but felt that it "begins to feel like showing off" and loses its "charm" through excess. The Observer's Ammar Kalia also noted the wide range of genres represented on the album. Though he felt the dense production could overwhelm many listeners, Kalia found the record "invigorating and irrepressible". The album received a nomination for Album of the Year at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Two tracks received nominations as well: "A Rock Somewhere" for Best Global Music Performance and "Bridge over Troubled Water" for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella - he won the latter.
All tracks are written and produced by Jacob Collier, except where noted.
Adapted from the album's liner notes and TIDAL.