Album Review: Uskon Tiellä Sinunkin Puolestasi by Jari Hevonkoski – A Raw, Soul-Stirring Gospel Journey
Let’s cut straight to the chase. If you’re hunting for something that feels like it was born in a Finnish forest church, with all its rustic charm and zero pretense, Uskon Tiellä Sinunkin Puolestasi is your jam. Released back in 2017 under Jakke Production, this folk-meets-gospel masterpiece isn’t just music—it’s an experience. And let me tell ya, Jari Hevonkoski doesn’t mess around. The dude wrote the tunes AND sang them, pouring his soul into every note. No frills, no gimmicks—just raw emotion.
The album kicks off with tracks like “Vanhus Ja Pihapuu” and “Saavu Herra,” but two songs really stuck their hooks in me: “Kuule Minun Ääneni” and “Hiljainen Tienoo.” Let’s break it down.
First up, “Kuule Minun Ääneni.” This one hits hard. It’s not overly complicated, but man, does it pack a punch. You can almost picture Jari standing there, hands stretched out, pleading with whoever’s listening (God? Himself? Us?). His voice cracks in places, and honestly, that imperfection makes it feel real. Like he ain’t trying to polish anything—he’s just letting it rip. There’s no hiding behind layers of production here; it’s stripped-back, vulnerable, and damn relatable.
Then there’s “Hiljainen Tienoo.” Oh boy. This track sneaks up on you. At first, it seems quiet, almost too mellow, but stick with it. About halfway through, the melody shifts, and suddenly you’re hit with this wave of longing. Not sad exactly, more like… yearning. It’s haunting yet comforting at the same time, if that makes any sense. I kept coming back to it because it felt like those moments when you’re walking alone late at night, thinking about life and wondering what’s next. Deep stuff.
What makes this album stand out is how unapologetically human it feels. Jari doesn’t try to be flashy or trendy. Instead, he leans into simplicity, trusting his lyrics and melodies to carry the weight. Tracks like “Tule Pyhä Henki” and “Onnellinen Vaeltaja” showcase his knack for storytelling without ever feeling preachy. Sure, it’s gospel, but it’s not shoved down your throat—it invites you in instead.
Now, here’s the kicker. Listening to this album made me realize something weird: we don’t hear enough music like this anymore. In a world obsessed with TikTok trends and overproduced beats, Uskon Tiellä Sinunkin Puolestasi feels like a rebel yell for authenticity. But hey, maybe that’s why it didn’t blow up globally—it’s too honest, too grounded. And honestly? That’s probably exactly what Jari wanted.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you want music that speaks louder than words. Just don’t expect perfection wrapped in shiny packaging. What you’ll get instead is something far better: a piece of someone’s heart, laid bare for anyone willing to listen.
Final thought? Screw algorithms. This album deserves to be heard because it reminds us what music is supposed to do—make us feel alive. Now go listen before I start sounding sappy.
