Jessica Healey – ‘tryhard’ [Album Review]

Austin-based indie singer-songwriter Jessica Healey recently released her debut album, tryhard, a collection of songs produced in collaboration with Grant Eppley.

Healey explains, “‘Tryhard’ was born out of my endlessly recurring feelings of hope, cynicism, and nostalgia. Musically, it combines my love of jazz and soul harmony, and the vulnerable storytelling of pop and folk. Each song takes a hard look at myself — an attempt to move forward with better judgment — and I hope it helps the listener do the same.”

Arriving on the scene in 2023, Healey released her debut single, “Strange.” Since then, she has performed at SXSW, The Mohawk, The White Horse, Elephant Room, and Monks, along with holding a Saturday residency at Jupiter Supper Club.

Suggested entry points on tryhard include “Strange,” with its melancholic intro that flows into a lightly upbeat, soul-laced, jazz melody. There’s a beckoning warmth to the layered tune, especially Healey’s unique delivery and phrasing – showcasing an alluring blend of lusciously evocative timbres.

A personal favorite because of its slow, drift-like intro, “You Poor Thing” features a piano-driven melody, a rounded, fat bassline, and finessed percussion. Together, these harmonic elements form a wonderfully variegated song that glides, trickles, and slippy-slides with shadowy hues of jazz blushes.

Jessica Healey, photo courtesy of Jessica Healey

On “Irrelevant,” Healey struts the range and tonal colors of her voice, as well as a gift for stumbling vocalizations that border on scatting. Highlighted by brass textures that add glow and polish, there’s a thread of feel-good bounce running through the melody.

Another gem of a track, “I Know You,” rides a low-slung, sparkling piano topped by Healey’s expressive voice – soft and tender with nostalgia. Sighing harmonies give the tune an attractive, quixotic radiance. Listen closely to the drums on this track. The drummer has a great feel for percussive stress.

Simultaneously righteous and splendidly original, on tryhard, Jessica Healey offers listeners inspired tangs of jazz and soul.

tryhard Track Listing:

1. Strange
2. You Poor Thing
3. Irrelevant
4. Dumb Enough
5. Get with Me
6. I Know You
7. I Know You – Extended Version

Run Time: 30:58
Release Date: October 24, 2025
Record Label: Independent