Jewel Praises Lester Mendez for Ahead-of-Its-Time Pop Sound
Singer revisits vintage studio days shares memories of bandmates, hints at future tracks!.
Image: Instagram
Jewel has been reflecting on one of the boldest turns in her career: the 2007 pop-leaning album she made with producer Lester Mendez. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter celebrated the record’s forward-thinking sonic experiments and shared studio anecdotes with her millions of followers.
Revisiting 0304’s Bold Pop Shift
Back in January 2007, Jewel released 0304, her sixth studio album and first full dive into dance-pop. Departing from the folk-rock sound that defined her 1995 debut, Pieces of You, the project was spearheaded by Lester Mendez, renowned for his work with Shakira and Enrique Iglesias. 0304 debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and spawned hit single “Intuition,” cementing Jewel’s place in mainstream pop.
In her Instagram caption, Jewel wrote, “@lestermendez!! What a talent! And what a sweetheart. The sound of this album was so ahead of its time. I heard so many albums take samples of the sounds and replicate them. Which I love! Art should influence art.” She reminded fans that those signature rhythmic loops and synth textures have gone on to inspire countless artists across genres.
In the carousel of images, we see candid snapshots of Jewel and Mendez at the helm of a vintage console, close-ups of a reel-to-reel tape machine and tube-driven preamps, and a group photo that captures the energy of those sessions.
A Band Of Heavyweights
Jewel also shone a spotlight on the elite musicians who brought 0304 to life. “The band was epic – Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums, Rusty Anderson on guitar, and so many other greats,” she noted. Both Laboriel Jr. and Anderson are famed for their work with Paul McCartney’s touring band, and their tight, dynamic performances elevated Jewel’s pop anthems to another level.
Vintage Sound Meets Modern Influence
What really set 0304 apart was its commitment to old-school fidelity in a club-ready context. Jewel recalls, “The audio fidelity of this album is so old school for a pop album – tube mics and preamps and tape… what fun memories…” By combining analog warmth with cutting-edge production, Mendez and his team created a palette that still resonates in today’s streaming era.
That blend of past and future—analog gear feeding digital creativity—has become a hallmark of modern pop, and Jewel is quick to credit those early sessions for setting the template.
Engineer Exit And Studio Anecdotes
Not every moment was smooth sailing. Jewel revealed, “I remember the engineer was so upset I was making a pop album he quit right near the end! Lester and I were so shocked.” The sudden departure forced the pair to enlist a fresh set of ears for final mixes, underscoring the passion and stakes involved in redefining Jewel’s sound.
Looking Ahead: A Pop Follow-up
After celebrating those memories, Jewel teased the next chapter: “I need to make a follow up. I love pop music – it’s a good time!” While she hasn’t confirmed collaborators or a release window, the sentiment is clear: she’s ready to revisit that creative spark and deliver new dance-floor anthems for a fresh generation.
Fans have already begun speculating on social media about whether legendary players like Laboriel Jr. will return, or if Jewel will explore entirely new stylistic territory. Either way, her post shows that two decades later, the 0304 era still feels vital—and that pop music, for Jewel, remains a joyous playground.
Whether it’s folk ballads or club-ready grooves, Jewel’s career has always been rooted in authenticity. But it was her partnership with Lester Mendez that proved she could ride the front edge of pop innovation—and she’s poised to do it again.
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