Kaeley Jade - The Great Unknown
Self-Released
Released on April 10th, 2026
Kaeley Jade’s album The Great Unknown is a vulnerable exploration of life. Influential albums that inspired this record include Stick Season by Noah Kahan and Watin by Aysanabee. Jade’s producer, Hill Kourkoutis, also worked on Watin, and Jade was excited to explore a similar sound in her own music. "Both of those projects really had a big impact on me and hit me at that time of my life where I really needed to hear them," said Jade.
In my opinion, there are no skips on Jade’s album. It makes me feel calm, hopeful, and resilient. Jade's lyrics are deeply personal and poetic, serving as a source of comfort and healing. Themes include overcoming obstacles, change, and growth. “I really wanted to explore this idea of turning points in my life—those moments when we are faced with a really big challenge that we have to overcome, or we have to ask ourselves a question where we know that we will be diving into these core parts of who we are,” said Jade.
The title track is one of my favourites, as it seamlessly ties together the message of the album. Jade expresses how she is still figuring out who she is and that life is not perfect. Her vocals are uplifting, warm, and smooth. The lyrics remind me of a soliloquy, as Jade shares her inner thoughts and feelings directly with the listener. She discusses her journey with anxiety and the feeling of spiralling. Sometimes it is easy to fixate on something, especially during difficult situations; in some cases, that obsession is more harmful than helpful. “The art of letting go is something I think I will be working on my entire life. I am someone who holds on tightly to anything that happens, whether it is good or bad,” said Jade.
Another highlight on this record is the cinematic deep cut “August.” I get goosebumps every time I listen to this ballad, as I feel the pain and heartbreak conveyed through the gentle arrangement. Jade’s sombre vocals are at the centre, and her raw performance draws me deeper into the story. To me, this song conveys the desire and longing for a different ending, as “August” discusses the experience of a relationship falling apart.
Despite the pain, love is still worth it. The track “Wisest Fool” is about the importance of bringing a significant other into your life. In the bridge, Jade demonstrates how all stages of love are valuable. “Love and showing up for someone as your full self and offering your heart to someone is so vulnerable and scary,” said Jade. “It is worth the potential for being hurt and maybe experiencing the pain of heartbreak.” The music video for “Wisest Fool” depicts a fairytale world. Jade describes the aesthetic of the video as a cross between Ella Enchanted and The Princess Bride. Another visual inspiration was the Canadian children’s TV show The Toy Castle, which helped shape the exact look she wanted to achieve.
I rated The Great Unknown a 10/10; it is also one of my favourites of this year. I am inspired by Jade’s vulnerability as she explores the deepest parts of herself while also discussing the beauty of love. This record is timeless and relatable, conveying how music can change your life for the better. It is a reminder to live life one day at a time, and that the journey of self-growth is ongoing.
