Tom Talks #12: Jorja Smith-Be Right Back (Going Into the New Era with Maturity and Honesty)

 

Hi folks and welcome back to Tom Talks! It's been a while, but I have returned and to kick things off, we will discuss the latest project from Walsall's Jorja Smith. Jorja has always been a talented vocalist, since I came across her on Drake's 'More Life' project and she continued to show this vocal ability on 'Project 11' and her collab with Preditah, the Garage banger 'On My Mind.'

We then got her first album with 'Lost & Found,' a collection of tales of teenage romance and breakups that ranged from the catchy 'Teenage Fantasy,' to by the numbers efforts like 'The One.' (ironically you wouldn't be able to pick this one out of a line up.) But what truly stood out to me was the amazing 'Blue Lights' and 'Lifeboats (Freestyle),' which not only showed off Smith's variety, but her ability to delve into topics her R'n'B contemporaries would not have the desire to attempt. With this in mind and recent songs like the powerful 'By Any Means' and her highly publicised feature on ENNY's 'Peng Black Girls,' I was expecting a bit more from one of the Midland's finest talents.

Now if this is a taste of what's to come for album number deux, then Miss Smith has shown there's plenty more to come from her, with the growth and maturity between 'Be Right Back' and her last album, clearly on display. The lead single 'Addicted' starts things off with a moody, break up ballad, that is enhanced by the prominent electric guitar in the instrumental breaks, which really adds to the atmosphere. Jorja seems uncertain of weather her partner is committed as her, proclaiming "You should be addicted to me," with those around her aware that she is not herself. A great start here and you can truly feel the emotion in her voice that this relationship really hit her hard.

'Gone' which was also a prior single, once again gives you that melancholic feel with the trap drums and sad piano throughout, as Jorja discusses the pain felt by losing people. Having moved to London to kickstart her career, you imagine some would have been left behind, as Miss Smith asks herself "What about the other life?... Would it be a better life?" Despite being written back in 2019, the current pandemic has made this more potent then ever to those who've lost someone or have been away from friends and family, adding an emotional touch that makes it relatable to many in these troublesome times.

After an emotional start, things get a bit more cheerful on 'Bussdown' which features up and comer Shaybo, who brings a bit of energy to the track alongside Jorja's calm delivery. This one feels like it should be performed in a late night Jazz club, as the two go back and forth about working hard for the luxury, whilst feeling uncertainty about the people around them being their for the fame or to give their support. The authentic instruments do add a nice touch, as they do on most tracks here, but I just feel like this doesn't get the message across it's trying to well and could have had a few re-writes. Still a solid effort and a nice change of pace.

The vibe changes again with the acoustic 'Time' as she tackles the uncertainty over weather she wants a one night stand or to give her love to this person. This may be a short number, but Smith really hits those high notes and it's a nice insight into what to expect at a live show. This more live show feel continues on 'Home,' this time with a more moody aura, created by the plucked guitar throughout. Jorja once again shows uncertainty, this time over weather to live a traditional family life, when it may not make her happy, which can be heard in her delivery and the fact she thinks this relationship may be "just another chapter." It's an interesting insight into the modern relationship and shows how she has matured since her tales of young love and feeling like her world had ended, when a relationship had broken down.

Upon first appearance, the next track 'Burn' appeared to be another break up ballad, taking us back to that Jazz club environment. Further reflection, showed this not to be the case and that this was a warning about the perils of the industry, emphasised by lines like "You try so hard, you can still fall down." The track ends with the repeating of the words "She's fallin' down, down, down, down," with less energy displayed in the vocals, to show the energy needed to be in the music industry and how it can drain those who aren't cut for it, especially the women who have to work 2x as hard to achieve their dreams.

For me the following song 'Digging' was the most introspective the Walsall native has ever gotten on record, with the electric guitar and energy of the drums, adding to the doubt felt by Jorja in herself. "Talked about it, but I'm still stressin. Talk to myself, then I'm second guessin," signifies the mental health issues Miss. Smith has felt, which is furthered by the add libs of "Oh, no." This feeling of anxiety in oneself and being worried she won't be understood, is something myself and many others can relate to and this is arguably the most real and authentic I have ever seen Jorja Smith on a song.

To conclude affairs we get 'Weekend' which reflects on her younger self and how she trusted and felt something for someone, who she met once and never again. The subtle echoing vocals and the background piano add to the gloomy feel of this one, as Smith reflects on a sadder time in her life and the teenage fantasy's she once wrote music about. Miss Smith has not only grown from a lyrical perspective in the 3 years since 'Lost & Found,' but as a human being, with the harsh realities of life and love enhancing her emotional age.

I was very impressed by the lyrical and emotional growth shown on this project and I am now eagerly awaiting the next full length LP. Not every song blew me away, but we got much more of an insight into Jorja Smith as a person and her personal life, other than from the perspective of a relationship. Very good stuff here and I can't wait to see her grow more as an artist and make even better music.

8/10

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