Album Review: Yen by Jaydes

Jaydes most recent album, Yen. (Credit: Judson Doncaster)

Jaydes is the most compelling artist of the last 15 years. This self-titled album, released under his middle name, Yen, is a sound that does not easily fit into any genre. 

Although an artist who found early success as an underground rapper, Jaydes’ music has ventured from just him and his guitar to what can best be described as pseudo punk. 

He is truly an enigma who is able to create compelling music in every genre he chooses.  

This new album, Yen, keeps the same sound he has perfected over his last two projects.  

Jaydes released the album Count Up Dracula, followed by the EP Panic in 2024, before his arrest in November of the same year for attempted murder. He was in a mental health facility for roughly nine months before being released in early January 2026.

In the almost year and a half absence split between the mental health facility and prison, his anomalous sound was greatly missed. As a result, my excitement was at an all-time high for this album. 

The three most notable tracks off this album are “Don’t Care Didn’t Ask”, “Go Home” and “Whatever.” They are grimy and disgusting in the best way; an  album that lives in the filth and rises to the top beautifully. 

“Don’t Care Didn’t Ask” is the only song on this album that is elegant. The guitar feels eerie yet welcoming, as if it is feigning interest in what you’re saying to lure you into its trap. 

About halfway through the song, drums enter and give it a more uplifting feel while still maintaining the unease. As we reach the end, the song fades out and Jaydes sings, “But you don’t care.”

Every song on this album is short and straight to the point, slowly disintegrating into the background.

“Go Home” is the best song on this album. It is by far the smoggiest song while still being a pleasant listen. It starts with a low drone of a beat before Jaydes comes in and complains, “My rent’s due man, I’m so boned.” The song stays with that same beat as Jaydes continues to rant about his life and school.  

Despite this, you don’t feel pity or annoyance as all of his complaints are reasonable, portraying the song as an organized mess. 

“Whatever” is not a new song. It was released under the name Nunya while Jaydes was on the run, but it demands to be talked about. This song is most like his album Count Up Dracula in the best way, upbeat and peppy.  

The song keeps this same vibe throughout, culminating in Jaydes saying, “It’s whatever man, I don’t even care.” This song is the easiest to listen to on this album and the one I would most recommend to new listeners. It was created during his rock era, the best of all his musical phases.

Jaydes is a visionary who is able to create a sound that has yet to be replicated. 

While his newer music is less accessible, it is so impressive musically. It does something that I have never heard before and this is why Jaydes is consistently topping my most listened to artists every week. 

Truly a masterpiece.