REVIEW: JWORDS SOUND THERAPY REFLECTS EVERY CHOICE THAT LED HER HERE
June 26, 2026
Written by Aiyana Howland-Gutierrez
Photo by Kyla Mae
SOUND THERAPY IS LIKE LISTENING TO SOMEONE'S MOST INTIMATE THOUGHTS AND GETTING A LOOK INSIDE THEIR HEAD— A lot has happened for the melodic genius behind the alias Jwords, Jennifer Hernandez, over the span of a decade and then some. Her new album, Sound Therapy, takes us through that journey in time and beyond.
This album is a mix of gentle beats with a synthesizer that appears on every track. The beginning of the album starts with the prelude “L0tus”; a free flowing improvised hit of synth keys. The album consists of intimate soundscapes; there aren’t many words spoken but that is not to the album’s detriment. If anything, less is more for this album.
Most of Sound Therapy is instrumental, which showcases her roots and artistic influences. Jwords’ interest in the New Jersey house music scene shines through with each song, along with her various exposures to different genres. When she does speak, it is more like a stream of conscious thought. While I was listening to the lyrics, it was made very clear that her art is informed by her past lived experiences. Some of it was sad and some of it was joyful. Within the album, she reflects on the highs and lows of life and where they have led her.
This album feels a lot like listening to an older sister talk about life, which really stuck out to me. Most of her work is filled with turmoil but this felt like trying to overcome that inner turmoil and embracing stability.
Being an artist can be risky and your 20’s is already a tumultuous time in your life. This album shows she’s clearly been influenced and informed by her past feelings of failure and instability. Jwords is saying goodbye to her chaotic twenties and embracing this fresh new decade of her life.
Album Art by Rumor Ballet