Jorja Smith - Lost & Found (2018)

The most recent work to be reviewed on this site to date, Jorja Smith’s Lost & Found brings to the table a refreshing blend of neo-soul and hip hop. Right from the moment the eponymous opening track begins, you find yourself drawn into an almost comatose state, as all your thoughts seem muted as you soak up every soulful note. The trio of songs that open the 21 year old’s spectacular debut are, for me, the strongest, particularly Teenage Fantasy, an introspective look at one young woman’s flaws and questioning what drives her search for love. The standout aspect of each and every track is the vocals, Smith achieves soaring highs and each performance is positively brimming with soul and passion, it is evident that this young woman truly bears her soul to the listener with this album, it is raw, it is visceral, and it is real. The beat on Where Did I Go? delves into a more pop-driven sound, while still maintaining the contemplative and introspective lyrics prevalent throughout the album. Lost & Found is a solid neo-soul effort that finds its place within the realms of Lauryn Hill’s solo debut, yet has that sense of potent lyricism that seems to have been embedded within the British music scene over the last couple of years (Think Radio 1 favourites like Rag n Bone man or The 1975). Perhaps the most impressive element of Smith’s CV is her collaborative work, having worked with megastars such as Drake and Stormzy, providing her with the exposure and the platform to get this debut off the ground. My one gripe with this album is its singular pace throughout, a great album has ups and downs and takes the listener for a ride, but Lost & Found plays it safe and maintains a singular style and tempo throughout. It would be great to see Smith’s next effort see her expand her horizons stylistically and begin to move through the gears.