Michael Joseph Green - V (2025) Hi-Res

With his fifth full-length project in as many years, Canadian multi-hyphenate Michael Joseph Green refuses to be pinned down. 'V' continues his innovative streak as a fearless leap into uncharted territory. Pulling threads from everywhere including arena-ready rock choruses, smoky lounge-jazz elegance, experimental pop textures, even the occasional didgeridoo, Green shapes an album that feels like a career milestone, not just another yearly release.

What ties 'V' together is Green’s unmistakable vocal grit. His voice lands somewhere between classic rock hero and emotional raconteur, echoing shades of Chris Cornell, Bryan Adams, and Bon Jovi with a smouldering conviction that anchors the album’s twists and turns. No matter the stylistic shift, be it a brassy, jazz-tinged ballad or a synth-heavy alt-rock number, his vocals ground the songs with a distinct, familiar presence.

Green’s songwriting ambition is front and centre throughout, challenging himself to push past formula and flirt with the unfamiliar. There’s an infectious restlessness to the record, as if each song is trying to outdo the one before it. It’s this fusion of bold ideas with accessible hooks that makes the record truly resonate as it plays.

But beyond its genre-spanning spectacle, 'V' still feels personal as an artist clearly in love with the process, curious and unafraid to evolve. Green’s creative vision is as wide open as ever, and this record shows he’s just getting started.

What does the symbol “V” mean to you? For me, it is the embodiment of philosophical ideas, a reflection of inner strength and aspiration. Its lines, like the trace of a glowing beam of light, strive upward. These two peaks, diverging in different directions, resemble open wings, ready to take flight, symbolizing the dynamics of movement. The album “V” by Canadian singer and producer Michael Joseph Green becomes a vivid example of how music can express the aspiration for victory and inner harmony, and also signifies that “V” is the fifth album in five years, which is quite symbolic. This is an incredible pace for an artist who is clearly moving forward, not looking back, and, apparently, plans to surprise his fans even more. “V” features elements of pop-rock, jazz, and a bit of hip-hop, with bright influences from bands and performers such as Garbage, Metric, Frank Sinatra, and Peter Gabriel, as well as vocal shades reminiscent of Chris Cornell, Jon Bon Jovi, and Bryan Adams.

Michael Joseph Green, as a songwriter, constantly strives to surpass his previous works, and in this release, he goes beyond the familiar, exploring new genres, instruments, and forms of performance. “Why not compose a brand new, 2025 jazz/big band standard??? I mean, why not?” he asks himself, and without a doubt, the album “V” proves that such ideas can be original and incredibly productive. Well then, let’s step out of our comfort zones and open new horizons together with Michael Joseph and his new album “V”.

The album opens with the intricately textured track “BLUE RUIN,” featuring the signature vocals of Michael Joseph, a rolling bass, luxurious guitar parts, and rich trumpet sections. In turn, the track “BONUS POINTS”, which clearly signals that the album showcases the evolution of Green’s sound – here, a more experimental and multi-layered approach is evident, blending familiar elements with bold new ideas. A bit daring, with hints of disco, listening to it, you can easily imagine the singer “igniting” the dance floor with the rhythm of his music. A standout moment of the album is “YOUR MOVE”, a track distinguished by an intriguing musical transition. Starting with a rhythmic hip-hop beat, it gradually develops and, by the finale, transforms into a memorable pop/rock piece with a powerful hook and a striking melody.

Pay attention to the single “32”, which captivates with its pulsating drum rhythm, joined by orchestral string arrangements, while Green’s charismatic vocals confidently fill the space with indescribable energy and power, further driving the album’s overall momentum and emotional direction. However, in my opinion, the true “gem” of the album is “ROMANTIQUE”, a track that can be seen as a small revolution in sound. Michael offers a fresh take on traditional jazz and big band forms, setting a new standard in the genre. He skillfully layers instrumental sections – brass, piano, and orchestral elements seamlessly coexist, creating a rich sonic landscape. The sound is refined and stylistically sophisticated, with a wealth of timbres that provide both aesthetic pleasure and a sense of participation in a musical experiment that successfully merges classic influences with innovation. “ROMANTIQUE” impresses with its performance and production- it sets a new direction for contemporary jazz, expanding the boundaries of the genre and reinterpreting familiar conventions.

As a songwriter, Michael Joseph demonstrates a versatile approach to music throughout the album, showcasing significant artistic growth. He boldly experiments with genres, transitioning from soft, atmospheric melodies to more intense compositions. His use of diverse instrumental arrangements and performance techniques reflects his pursuit of new forms of self-expression.

This is especially evident in the romantic single “CAMERA”, where a delicate melody and intimate lyrics create a unique atmosphere. The track takes on a more intimate tone, conveying sincere emotions through soft instrumentals and subtle vocal vibrations. In my opinion, this track deserves special attention.

For contrast, I would highlight “KILL DARLINGS” – an emotionally charged track with a strong drive in the drums and an aggressive vocal delivery. The energy invested by Michael Joseph lingers even after the song ends, continuing to resonate in the listener’s mind. This contrast between two songs with different rhythms perfectly showcases the breadth of his creative range and his ability to convey diverse emotional states. In the final track “CHEAT CODE”, Michael Joseph Green “moves” the instruments across the soundscape, with clarity being the main focus. The song clearly demonstrates a different approach to delivering the content, with more nuances in the timbre and delivery.

Speaking about “5 albums in 5 years,” one can draw a parallel with the symbol “V,” as it reflects forward movement, the constant growth of Michael Joseph Green, and his desire to surpass himself. And no matter how much he experiments, there is always a recognizable thread – his hoarse, rich vocals. Michael Joseph moves along his musical path exactly according to that symbol “V,” where one side represents his roots, and the other – an endless striving for the new. We eagerly await the next albums, as his sound shows no sign of stopping at what has already been achieved!