Artist – John Jenkins
Album – Restless Hearts
Released – 4th July 2025
Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
With Restless Hearts, Wirral based singer-songwriter John Jenkins cements his place as one of the UK’s most compelling voices in the Americana scene.
Across twelve beautifully crafted tracks, Jenkins takes listeners on a rich, cinematic journey through stories of love, loss, longing, and quiet resilience—each song wrapped in warm acoustic textures and tender, honest lyricism.
Jenkins has long been a standout artist in the local scene.With a string of critically acclaimed releases and performances, Jenkins has successfully garnered widespread recognition and cultivated a loyal following. As a distinguished singer-songwriter specializing in folk, country, and Americana genres, he is celebrated for his exceptional melodic craftsmanship, poignant lyricism, and masterful chord progressions.
Opening with the haunting Cruel Wind, Jenkins sets the emotional tone early: introspective, world-weary, but never without hope. His voice—gentle and wise —guides us through landscapes both literal and emotional. Tracks like Too Many Roads and Spent the Night in Austin feel like road-movie interludes, evoking the vastness of Americana while staying rooted in deeply personal storytelling.
A standout moment arrives with Colorado in the Spring, a track that feels simultaneously expansive and intimate. The arrangement is delicately layered, with subtle string parts and a standout featured artist in Pippa Murdie. Equally powerful is The Disappearance, a song that hints at mystery and memory, showcasing Jenkins’ masterful poetic depth.
The album’s closer, Farthings Wood, is a gentle lullaby of closure. It’s the kind of track that lingers long after the final note, leaving listeners reflective and moved. The warmth of the guitar and strings, paired with Jenkins’ soulful voice brings the album to a gentle close.
What makes Restless Hearts so special is Jenkins’ ability to paint vivid pictures without ever overselling them. His songwriting is understated but deeply felt, with memorable melodies and arrangements. There’s a sincerity here that’s increasingly rare in contemporary music—a timelessness that places Jenkins as a great storyteller.
Restless Hearts is a triumph of songwriting and soul. John Jenkins has never sounded more assured—or more needed.
Helen Maw
© 2025 Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Restless Hearts is available now on all streaming platforms as well as Bandcamp.