Jules Schroeder is a singer/songwriter (as well as entrepreneur and podcaster) drawing inspiration from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, and Norah Jones. It's an eclectic mix, but Schroeder puts these inspirations into her music which she refers to as "soul-folk." You can definitely hear them in her newest single "Judgement Day," too. Her voice has that soulful feeling (along with her background vocalists), but the music takes more cues from the folk arena. However, nothing here is as raw as Joplin and the music and vocals have a more polished approach. Schroeder sings, "You gotta tell 'em; you gotta show 'em. You gotta live free or die. You gotta want 'em; you gotta want 'em. You gotta live free or die" in the super catchy and singable chorus to the song. Most of the song focuses on the idea of having to live with the decisions you've made in your life and asking the question, "Was it worth it?" These are certainly things we must wrestle with in life. However, the closing line of the song, "When the judgement day comes; you're all alone. There will be no one but yourself to bring you home," seems to point to self-reliance over Christ as anything we do on judgement day will be far too late. My personal favorite part of the track comes from the musical side of things. The organ that plays underneath all the other instruments in the chorus is perfect. It's a little subdued, but it adds a lot of flavor and is a fantastic touch.

Schroder released an EP in 2017 and another in 2019 (along with two additional singles). Jules remains busy as she came back with her newest single in November of 2020. On top of this, she has been writing for Forbes and running a successful podcast to inspire other entrepreneurs. If you're a fan of "Judgement Day," it's definitely worth giving a listen to her other material as well.

- Review date: 12/11/20, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com