‘What Are The Odds’: Jorja Smith Review

Jorja Smith's music is some of the most innovative of our generation. A soulful mix of jazz, pop and R&B, her music combines slow and smoky vocals with undeniably catchy rhythms. Her new twelve track album is no different. It is a special body of work,an evolution of her style while still remaining unmistakeable Jorja. Everything that audiences have began to love about her music is pushed into a new sonic territory, with lyrics reflecting on relationships, identity and growth. 'What Are The Odds' secures Jorja Smith's place comfortably in the UK music scene.

Jorja Smith's third album is set to arrive on the day of Jorja’s co-headline performance at All Points East in Victoria Park alongside Tems on Friday 21 August. This unique release date gives audiences the opportunity to experience the new music live on the very day it is released, which often doesn't happen. Jorja uses this album to embrace a euphoric, dance-led sound shaped by UK Garage, Grime, 2-Step, UK Funky, Soulful House and Afro House. Its very creation was almost accidental. Connecting with P2J on 'Little Things', Jorja loosely revealed plans about conducting a dance led project, twelve-track record is built for dance floors, festivals, house parties and journeys home after the night ends. The genesis of ‘What Are The Odds’ was almost accidental. After connecting with P2J on ‘Little Things’, the pair talked loosely about making a dance project, and two years later this follows.  For Life

From the very first track, the music felt unlike anything I have heard before. The rhythm was infectious, the type of track that makes it near to impossible to not move along. Her vocals, as expected, cannot be faulted. For Life follows an intimate relationship, and the realisation that you cannot save someone from their own actions no matter how hard you try. A connection with a friend through addiction, it really is powerful. The song doesn't feel repetitive, even the chorus' stand alone. This sets up the album's tone: it may begin sombre, but it will lead to a journey of self-improvement. 

Lyrical content: 9/10

Production: 8/10 Delivery: 9/10

What Are The Odds

Being the album's title track, it is no surprise this song is quintessentially Jorja Smith. It feels completely different from the last but takes listeners on a sonic journey which just make sense. It reflects on growing up in the public eye. Afrobeats and jazz influences underscore the listening experience, but the beat is heavily driven by electronic music. These lyrics are much more snappy and fast paced than the last, followed by a classic shift to UK rap.

Lyrical content: 7/10

Production: 9/10 Delivery: 9/10

What's Done is Done

Thematically, there is a shift here, which the beat seems to recreate. This relationship has ended, and the music becomes driven by dancehall. Richard Isong on keyboard and electronic layering stands out. The lyrics of this track in particular are so profound, continuing this theme of not feeling appreciated or seen. The repetition of 'it's the ending' seems to be a switch in the album's trajectory of the album. 

Lyrical content: 7/10

Production: 10/10 Delivery: 8/10

This City (feat. Devlin)

This collaboration track is truly something different, and felt central in a way to the album. The beat is insanely electronic, but somehow feels infused into more ballad-like vocals. 'This City’ features a re-recorded version of Devlin’s iconic ‘London City’ verse, tracing Jorja’s evolving relationship with the capital while reconnecting her with the sounds and communities that inspired the project.

Lyrical content: 9/10

Production: 8/10 Delivery: 7/10

Pretend

This track hit me the hardest. The musical feel is a lot different than the past few tracks, much more alike the Jorja Smith we know. Cole Estrin's guitar inclusion fosters this lyrical tone, paired with the lyrics themselves questioning the behaviour of someone, how they act and the games they play. Its confrontation of betrayal is so unique. The chorus retains the electronic beat and use of warped vocals, blending two distinct styles together seamlessly.

Lyrical content: 9/10

Production: 10/10 Delivery: 9/10

The Way It Was

The track begins lulling and lyrical in the beginning, but is suddenly interrupted by a harsh beat. This pairing creates such a unique sound, driven by the production by P2J and Cole YoursTruly. The Way It Was felt a bit strange on the first listen, but has become one of my personal favourites, paying homage to the all too real feeling when somehow, someone you knew so well becomes unrecognisable. 

Lyrical content: 9/10

Production: 9/10 Delivery: 9/10

I Lied, You Lied

Produced by P2J and Marcon Bernardis, the combination of subtle vocals with intense instruments is so powerful. The lyrical journey of this track is one of the album's most paramount, as if we are going on a journey of discovery with her: self discovery and discovery of what it is that a relationship requires.

Lyrical content: 9/10

Production: 8/10 Delivery: 7/10

Dancing

The hook is simple but that doesn't take away from the song's energy. It truly encapsulates its title, and is one of the shorter tracks of the album. It doesn't necessary need more length however, it works in its simplicity.

Lyrical content: 7/10

Production: 8/10 Delivery: 8/10

Alive (feat. Wizkid)

Jorja Smith seems to have a brilliant attentiveness when it comes to collaboration in this album. Wizkid's rap complimented the rhythm of the track beneath it so brilliantly, and his lyrics didn't feel out of place. 

Lyrical content: 8/10

Production: 8/10 Delivery: 8/10

Young Heart

Something about this song felt almost nostalgic in a sense but it is hard to place my finger on what. It certainly is nostalgic content wise, looking back on her younger self with affection and honesty. The electronic driving force is apparent, almost house party-esque. The layered vocals add a layer of sophistication, even with the more simple lyrics. 

Lyrical content: 7/10

Production: 7/10 Delivery: 8/10

Make It Your Home

The project's experimental nature is embodied in this track alone. It opens with a piano segment, such an interesting beginning to an album lead so much by electronics. Shifting into almost a bongo like beat, it genuinely is a song that left me unable to sit still. Produced again by P2J and Cole YoursTruly, it feels like pretty secure evidence that their production is hard to fault.

Lyrical content 8/10

Production 8/10

Delivery 9/10

When It Gets Like That

The project ends just as powerfully as it began. 'You like the way that it feels when it gets like that' is exactly what this album explores: the chronically cyclical nature of toxicity. The content and the rhythm pulls you in, and as the final beat strikes, it does feel like the perfect end to the album.

Lyrical content: 9/10

Production: 8/10 Delivery: 9/10

Created independently and without outside pressure, 'What Are The Odds’ finds Jorja at her most confident, open and creatively energised. It is the sound of an artist who is moving away from a style that she once used, blending her own distinct vocals with experimental sonic experiences. Listening to the album truly is a journey, and Jorja Smith has achieved exactly what she aimed for: a new era.