Joanna "JoJo" Levesque is back, and she is GROWN! 'Good to Know', her 4th studio album released 5/1/20 on her Clover Music imprint in partnership with Warner Records after a years-long battle with Blackground Records to be released from her original contract.
I've been a fan of JoJo's since her debut album when she was 13 or 14. The following statement will probably ruffle some feathers, but as JoJo has grown, naturally her voice has changed. After her first 2 albums, I wasn't a fan of her tone as it seemed a bit more nasal than previously. Still a fan, I approached this new release with no expectations, just hoping that I would enjoy and JoJo did not disappoint!
Right now my favorite song is 'Gold' as I'm a sucker for a good harmony. I can see myself lighting a few candles while enjoying a glass of wine to this sensual mid-tempo track. I can also imagine riding through the city with all the windows and sunroof open on a balmy summer evening (since that's about ALL we can do right now). Again, JoJo is grown now, so her whisper-singing about grown things is a new experience, and she does it well. 'Small Things' hit me HARD! A break-up will do that to you. Another thing that JoJo does well is sing emotions. Some artists force it, with JoJo it's innate. The team of writers she's connected with is sick, and the writing on this song made me feel judged. "I'm getting used to holding in, all my emotions, all my feelings. But the more I fight them, the bigger they seem, what really kills me is all the small things". The final standout is the piano-driven 'Don't Talk Me Down'. JoJo croons "Tried to fix myself, indulge your ways, can't keep holding on to you 'cuz it feels safe, it's not ok".
Overall, I enjoyed this adult, unconfined JoJo and I hope to have a full experience of this album this summer outside of my house. Have you guys listened to the album yet? If so what are your favorite tracks?
T.Nicole