We previously featured Jacre when he tapped into a high emotional quotient with his enchanting and anthemic comeback single, Only Love Could Be So Blind, so when we found out that the star was back with Not Falling, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Not Falling delivers an intimate and emotionally charged journey through the highs and lows of long-term love. From its poignant opening lyrics, “Remember the times when we weren’t enough, when the bumps in the road nearly finished us off…”, the song immediately sets a reflective tone, pulling listeners into a deeply personal narrative that many will find relatable. This is not just a love song; it’s a testament to resilience, renewal, and the philosophical depth of enduring relationships.
The musical foundation of Not Falling is both soft and expansive, blending a boundless bassline with ethereal synths that elevate the song’s emotional resonance. These elements are woven seamlessly into a pop-rock structure that feels delicate yet powerful. As the track progresses, the arrangement gently swells, carrying the listener through moments of doubt, tension, and eventual renewal. Jacre’s vocal performance – warm, sincere, and tinged with vulnerability – serves as the emotional core of the song, guiding the listener through the complex landscape of love, fear, and hope.
One of the most striking aspects of Not Falling is its backstory. In a moment of life imitating art, Jacre (British singer-songwriter Julian Ransom) literally fell and broke his leg while writing the song. This irony adds another layer to the track, enhancing its themes of fragility and resilience. The song, which grapples with the fear of “not falling” in love again with the same intensity, is imbued with a sense of real-life struggle – both physical and emotional.
The lyrics present a couple reflecting on their past struggles, the bumps in the road that “nearly finished us off,” and the gradual rekindling of their connection. This storyline is rich with emotional depth, highlighting the tension between the fear of falling out of love and the joy of rediscovering that passion every day. In the chorus, Jacre confesses, “Every morning, I wake up with the fear of not falling for you again,” a powerful expression of vulnerability that taps into the universal experience of long-term relationships – where love is a choice made again and again.
The production, led by Dominic Romano, strikes a perfect balance between atmosphere and accessibility. The song’s layers unfold gracefully, creating a sonic environment that feels spacious and introspective without overwhelming the central narrative. Ethereal synths and a persistent bassline drive the track forward, while the occasional soft rock elements give it a sense of grounded energy, ensuring the song maintains an empowering vibe even amidst its introspective themes.
Charles-Henry Volk’s mixing and Philip Marsden’s mastering work provide a polished finish, allowing the song to shine with clarity while preserving its emotional warmth. The sound is both contemporary and timeless, offering nods to artists like Hozier and Isak Danielson while retaining Jacre’s unique identity.
The lyrics of Not Falling are where Jacre’s songwriting truly shines. The track is brimming with introspective depth and philosophical nuance, capturing the emotional complexity of relationships with lines like “We made our peace, once the worst was said, we held to the road, eyes firmly ahead.” These moments of reconciliation and reflection are contrasted with the ongoing uncertainty that comes with love, particularly the fear of it fading away.
Yet, despite the lingering fear, the song is ultimately about commitment and rediscovery. The recurring phrase, “Here I fall again,” signifies both the relief and joy of falling in love anew each day. This repeated theme resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of a long-term relationship, making the song both personal and universal. The tension between doubt and hope creates a push-and-pull dynamic that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
The emotional arc of Not Falling feels authentic and heartfelt. The song does not shy away from the darker aspects of love – its fears, doubts, and occasional despair, but it also uplifts by reminding us that love is an ongoing process, something we choose to fall into over and over again. As Jacre watches his partner “dreaming, waiting for that rush of feeling,” he captures a sentiment that many long-term couples will recognize – the simultaneous anxiety and excitement of rediscovery.
In Not Falling, Jacre has crafted a song that feels both intensely personal and widely relatable. Its blend of soft rock, ethereal synths, and introspective lyrics creates a soundscape that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and commitment. With its philosophical depth, emotional nuance, and polished production, the song is a strong contender for mainstream success while maintaining the soul of an indie track. Fans of artists like Hozier and Train will find much to appreciate, but it is Jacre’s unique perspective and emotional honesty that truly make this track stand out.