Single Review: This Is My Year

On his latest release This Is My Year, pop newcomer Jason Parker calls back to the cheerful anthems of early 2000s pop, firmly announcing 2021 as his moment to be “happy again”. After appearances with TVNZ’s Popstars and Wellington’s Peachy Keen festival, Parker now sets out to shape his own brave, colourful identity in Aotearoa’s bustling music landscape.

It’s hard to deny the bursting chorus of This Is My Year, with its feel-good lyricism and catchy claps. Although sparse at times, the song’s production works to allow its clean pop melodies their deserved time in the spotlight. Quirky bass and guitar riffs throughout create an uplifting, buoyant feeling, and the bouncy bridge winds down to simple keys that show a clear influence from artists such as Lily Allen and Kelly Clarkson. Parker’s vocals are always especially strong. He is an emotive performer, his smile somehow beaming through even when you can’t physically see him, and selling the simple but effective lyrics. Outside of the song itself, the Mario-style imagery on its lyric video and Spotify canvas deserve special appreciation, creating a goofy and fun visual association that furthers the positive energy of This Is My Year. 

For this proud “Virgo sun with a popstar rising”, This Is My Year is an energetic celebration which works best as a mission statement for Parker’s musical career. “Saying no to fear” and “taking chances again”, Jason Parker has made an excellent first step into artistry, by simply announcing himself as someone you’ll definitely want to cheer for.