Only Human by Jono Fernandez Feat. Sarah McLeod: A Journey You Can't Shake Off
Alright, let me just say this—Only Human isn’t your typical electronic album that you forget about after a week. Released in 2013 under Onelove and Rising Music, it’s one of those records that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The mix of progressive house vibes with Sarah McLeod's haunting vocals hits different. And trust me, once it gets into your head, it doesn’t leave.
Let’s talk tracks for a sec. First off, the original version of “Only Human.” It’s like… wow. Right from the start, the beat builds slowly, teasing you until Sarah’s voice comes in like a ghostly whisper. There’s something raw about how she sings—it feels real, almost too personal. Like she’s spilling her soul over Jono’s hypnotic production. The drop? Oh man, it’s not some over-the-top explosion; it’s smooth, subtle even, but still powerful enough to make your chest vibrate. This track sticks because it doesn’t try too hard—it just is.
Then there’s the Benino Remix. Totally flips the script. If the original is introspective and moody, this one’s more playful, edgy. The bassline has this gritty edge to it, and Sarah’s vocals are chopped up in a way that makes them feel distant yet urgent. I remember hearing this remix at some random party years ago (probably in Australia or the UK where the album blew up), and I couldn’t stop moving. It wasn’t just the music—it was like the room disappeared, and all I could focus on was the pulse of the sound. Wild, right?
The other mixes—the instrumental and Jono’s rework—are solid too, but they don’t hit quite as hard as these two. They’re good background tunes if you’re chilling or driving late at night, though. But honestly, it’s the original and the Benino Remix that stay with you long after the playlist ends.
Here’s the thing—I didn’t think an album from 2013 would still matter today. Progressive house isn’t exactly reinventing itself every year, but Only Human feels timeless. Maybe it’s because it taps into emotions we all recognize—feeling lost, searching for connection, being kinda fragile despite pretending we’re not. Or maybe it’s just really damn good music. Either way, it works.
You know what’s funny? Listening to this now reminds me of how life back then felt simpler, even though it wasn’t. No crazy TikTok trends, no endless doomscrolling. Just people making art without trying to break the internet. Weirdly comforting. So yeah, give Only Human a spin. Let it remind you that, well, we’re only human—and sometimes that’s enough.
