British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith, renowned for her soulful and emotionally charged music, has released her sophomore album, “Falling or Flying.”
This album delves into themes of heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery, maintaining the poignant essence that marked her debut in 2018, “Lost & Found.” Smith’s lyrical journey begins with “Try Me,” a track where she courageously confronts her past pain, drawing comparisons to the likes of Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse with her emotive vocals. The compelling production of Damedame, a producer duo consisting of Edith Nelson and Barbara Boko-Hyouyhat, enhances the album’s emotional depth.
Rather than following the current disco trend, as seen with artists like Doja Cat and Dua Lipa, Smith embraces her musical roots by infusing her LP with elements of R&B, rap, pop, neo-soul, and UK house. The title track, “Falling or Flying,” captures the essence of the album—an introspective exploration of emotions rather than a generic love ballad, accompanied by a minimalist music video emphasising solitude and independence.
Throughout “Falling or Flying,” Smith places relationships at the core of her narrative, offering listeners a glimpse into her experiences with love. In tracks like “Little Things,” she seamlessly combines R&B and rave influences to narrate the thrill of flirting at a party. Notably, the song “Greatest Gift,” featuring Jamaican singer Lila Iké, slows down the tempo to express gratitude for a lover with “little wings,” showcasing Smith’s ability to merge genres seamlessly and create a rich musical landscape.
The album also explores the complexities of severed romantic connections in tracks like “GO GO GO” and “Broken is the Man.” These songs reflect on past relationships and the personal growth that can arise from heartache, underscoring Smith’s evolving maturity as an artist. “Falling or Flying” is a musical journey through a spectrum of emotions. Jorja Smith’s distinctive voice and introspective storytelling continue to solidify her position as a compelling and emotionally resonant artist in the music industry.
