Jeremy Hilliard – Going Back To Where It All Began (Album Review)

A New LP from Brooklyn Songwriter Jeremy Hillard. Jeremy Hillard is a songwriter from New York who finds himself in a sincere and genuine place on his new LP Going Back to Where It All Began. The way this album came to life is kind of interesting, as Jeremy spends most of his time writing, recording, and touring with his band PEAK, an up-and-coming jam band that regularly performs in the northeast United States.

Jeremy has been writing far more songs than his band could ever use, so he decided to release some collections of his home demos a couple of years ago on Bandcamp and Soundcloud. His first official solo album, Trouble For Another Day, was released in 2023, and now he follows up with a sophomore effort, Going Back to Where It All Began.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at Jeremy’s sophomore release.

It’s worth noting that Jeremy wrote and recorded the entire album at home. On this project, we can clearly see Jeremy taking a lyrically focused approach, drawing influence from artists like Mac DeMarco, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and others.

From the first seconds of the album, Jeremy leans into the soft aesthetic of country-pop, which later evolves into a blend of alternative folk. It’s hard to pin this album to just one genre. Jeremy took a diverse approach here; for example, in the title track, Going Back to Where It All Began, there’s a clear country influence with a dynamic touch. Then on the next track, he switches it up entirely, leaning into an epic fusion of chamber-pop and soft rock.

This mixture of styles is captivating, particularly on the first half of the tracklist, where the sincerity and genuineness really shine through. Sailor’s Warning, one of my personal favorites, is a perfect example—with punchy drums that instantly stick in your head.

This variety allows Jeremy to explore different directions with ease. Whether he’s leaning into heartfelt, reflective tracks or delivering upbeat cuts, he finds a way to make it work.

I also loved the incorporation of Bethany Hilliard’s background vocals. They add a beautiful layer to the soundscapes Jeremy creates. In tracks like Losing Your Touch, her harmonies provide a fresh breath of air and another dimension to the music. It’s always a great touch when artists bring in these complementary voices, and here it works perfectly.

Jeremy’s vocals are also worth highlighting. At first, they might seem straightforward, but as the album progresses, his versatility comes through. While there are moments where the vocals or some of the instrumentals feel a little repetitive, his ability to navigate a mix of folk, pop, and alternative styles keeps things interesting and genuine.

Score/Excellent: Jeremy Hillard’s sophomore album is engaging, fresh, and heartfelt. His lyrical focus and the variety of styles make this record stand out. Tracks like Sailor’s Warning and Probably The Prodigal blend chamber-pop and folk into something that feels both nostalgic and new. While not flawless, this album is a great follow-up to his debut and shows just how much Jeremy continues to grow as an artist.

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