As distasteful hip-hop with nearly identical rhythms and commonplace background music dominate radio stations, teens have abandoned the art of critically analyzing profound song lyrics. Although not as thought-provoking as veteran poetic songwriters, such as Tori Amos, multifaceted artist, Ben Jelen, master of vocals and five musical instruments, makes a strong comeback with his new album, Ex-Sensitive, which voices his take on environmental issues and romantic love.

Fortunately for the public, Jelen has recovered from his disappointing debut and has attributed a variety of colors and emotions to each song in his new album, Ex-Sensitive. With support from the respected and renowned producer, Linda Perry, Jelen has successfully focused on his strengths as a poet and has provided more variety.

Each of his lyrics is accompanied by mellow yet disciplined rhythms that will captivate many audiences. A harmonious blend of electric guitars, piano, and sometimes even violin serve to intensify each of the messages about the beauty of mankind that Jelen conveys. His title song, “Pulse” resonates tranquility and words of wisdom, while “Where Do We Go” describes a man unconsciously stuck in a unilateral relationship and embraces a bubblier and more retro sounds and rhythm.

Interestingly enough, Jelen has chosen Where do we go for his first single, according to an interview with Peggy Eldridge-Love, music editor of BellaOnline. Apparently, he has chosen this particular song that embraces more common themes, such as unilateral and rocky relationships, to appeal to wider audiences. This single is also faintly reminiscent of 60’s music, such as those of the Beatles.

In his second lead song, “Pulse”, Jelen portrays humans as universally connected beings that share characteristics and love for the earth and his growing concern about the damages inflicted on the environment. Jelen points out that humans should unite through this universal problem and work to propagate a healthy earth. Jelen’s profound universal lyrics and moderately tempo will soothe and satisfy people’s frequent need for relaxation and stimulation of thought. His masculine yet spiritual voice intertwines well with the violin and the guitar chords in the harmony. This song may remind people about John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change”, yet it uses corny clichés sparingly.

The theme of connecting to the soothing environment reverberates in Wreckage, another jewel on this album. Organ music introduces a fateful sounding harmony, accompanied by simple but moving piano chords until Jelen offers words of wisdom and encouragement. Jelen points out how people’s unappreciative attitude towards the nature could place us in literal and metaphorical darkness. Both “Pulse” and “Wreckage” imply that humans have become insensitive, or “ex-sensitive” to our surroundings and the universe.

Through his second album, Ben Jelen succeeds in demonstrating his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and skilled musician.