Gileah Taylor's I Call This One EP, a succinct four-song offering from the Florida singer-songwriter, is a shimmering mingling of introspective folk-pop and relatable lyricism. Taylor's delicate vocals and vulnerable pen weave a tapestry of longing, wonder, and timeless musings. Overall, these songs act as a satisfying epilogue to 2024's standout album, Slow Parade.

Kicking off the EP, "The Last Century" is a loping Country-leaning tune, draped in acoustic strums and steady percussion. Taylor's confident voice stands in striking contrast to the melancholy lyrics that ponder the weight of time and memory. It's reminiscent of early Joni Mitchell, with a modern Americana sheen. The song's pacing, pull-you-in storytelling, and reflective tone make it a perfect opener. It's certainly a warm invitation into Taylor's introspective world. It's the kind of track you'd spin on a rainy afternoon, lost in thoughts of yesteryears.

Next up, "The Skywriter" revisits the slower contemplative vibes of Slow Parade. The arrangement leans into airy keys and a lilting melody, evoking images of messages scrawled across an endless blue sky. Taylor's storytelling shines here, painting vivid pictures with her words while maintaining an intimate authenticity. There's a touch of Over the Rhine's atmospheric grace in the production, and the song's hopeful undercurrent feels like a love letter to dreamers. It's a standout, begging for repeat listens. Listeners may find similar solidarity in my favorite lines from the song, "I thought there's maybe/some kind of life-defining thing happening/I need a Skywriter spelling it out for me/I felt kinda silly when I talked to my mom/She said you're looking at this all wrong/Look back and realize/How far you've come."

The EP's emotional core, "The Lonely Hearts," is a tender ballad that aches with raw honesty. Stripped-down guitar and hushed vocals create a confessional vibe, as Taylor explores the quiet pain of solitude and the search for connection. The simplicity of the arrangement amplifies the song's emotional heft, making every lyric hit like a soft punch to the gut. With repeat listens, the line "hearts are not collector's items/but shattered ones make works of art" has reverberated in my pastoral heart. Fans of The Innocence Mission's introspective work will find a kindred spirit here. It's a track that lingers, heavy with empathy for the brokenhearted.

Closing out the EP, "The Time Traveler" is a haunting, piano-led meditation where Taylor crafts a narrative that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The song's hopeful beauty recalls the storytelling prowess of a Bob Dylan or Andrew Peterson, with a nod to the cosmic wanderlust of classic folk tales. It's a fitting finale, leaving listeners yearning for more while savoring the journey.

I Call This One is a compact yet potent showcase of Gileah Taylor's artistry, mixing folk-pop warmth with lyrical depth. Each song feels like a chapter in a larger story, told with grace and emotional resonance. At just four tracks, it's a tease that leaves you hungry for a full-length, but what's here is pure gold. Highly recommended for fans of introspective songcraft and quiet, soul-stirring moments.