Number 2 by HebbaJebba is a straight-up ride through everything that’s awesome about rock, and it’s got some serious heart. This isn’t just some random collection of songs—nah, it’s an experience. Imagine if your favorite band somehow learned how to bottle the feeling of running through the streets with your friends on a summer night and then turned it into music. That’s what this album feels like.
ABOUT THE BAND: https://hebbajebba.com/
First off, when “Swagger” drops, it’s like BAM, this band is here to make noise. The drums by Paul Gordhamer hit like a freight train, and Ted Hajnasiewicz’s voice? Pure raw energy, like he’s shouting into the void with the kind of confidence that makes you wanna punch the air. And the guitars—oh man, Mark Ganje and Brendan Ober aren’t just strumming, they’re telling stories with their riffs. It’s the kind of sound that makes you feel invincible and ready to take on anything, no joke.
But don’t think HebbaJebba’s a one-trick pony. Nah, they mix it up like crazy. You’ll go from high-octane energy in “Swagger” to the deep, kind of haunting vibe of “Wings of a Dove,” which might catch you off guard but in the best way possible. This song’s got that melancholy that just sits with you, but not in a way that makes you wanna cry—it’s more like a really cool, introspective moment. That bass from Tom Carlon? It grounds the whole thing, keeping you rooted while the rest of the track floats around you.
The thing that makes Number 2 stand out is how it flows. I’m all about albums that you listen to from start to finish, and this one pulls you in like that. It’s like a journey—each track bleeds into the next, and it’s easy to just let it all wash over you. Songs like “What Do You Want Me to Say” and “Hell’s Canyon” are perfect examples of how this album takes its time to build. It’s not about throwing everything at you right away; it’s about giving you room to breathe and letting the music sink in, layer by layer.
And let’s be real for a second—albums like this deserve more than just a quick stream on your phone. HebbaJebba really thought about the whole vibe, releasing a companion book with lyrics and artwork. It’s like they’re making a statement: music is an experience, not just background noise. I mean, who even cares about album art anymore? Well, HebbaJebba does, and that’s something I can totally get behind.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/number-2/1760235974
Okay, so here’s the thing: there are a couple of moments on Number 2 where the pacing drags a bit, and I’m like, “Okay, let’s speed this up a little.” But honestly, even in those spots, you’re still vibing with the track because the energy’s so authentic. It’s a small hiccup in what’s otherwise a killer album.
Now, if you wanna talk standout tracks, “I’m Tired” is the one that totally nails it. It’s like a perfect mix of dark and light, not just brooding for the sake of it. It’s got that punchy vibe that makes you wanna headbang but also laugh a little because there’s this self-aware, almost sarcastic undertone to it. It’s brilliant.
Bottom line? Number 2 is one of those albums that’s gonna stick with you. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s got that nostalgia for the rock sound that you didn’t even know you were missing. Don’t just listen to it—feel it.
Trace Whittaker