Jorja Smith Revels in the Power of Simplicity on Be Right Back
The British singer shows notable growth and impactful emotion on her latest project

“I’m the only thing you should need / You should be addicted to me,” Jorja Smith boldly declares on Be Right Back’s opening track “Addicted.” So far, the 23-year-old’s music career has backed that up, consisting of nothing but euphoric highs: collaborating with Drake on his 2017 album More Life, being featured on the epic, Kendrick Lamar-curated Black Panther soundtrack, receiving her first Grammy nomination back in 2018 for Best New Artist.
Smith’s Mercury Prize-nominated debut album Lost & Found electrified listeners with its languid melodies, as her piercing vocals quickly proved she was a special singer. “Blue Lights” was a viral sensation; tracks like “Lifeboats (Freestyle)” and “The One” gracefully displayed her range and willingness to experiment sonically. On her latest project, Be Right Back, Smith continues to show creative growth while simultaneously leaning into vulnerability more than ever.
The theme of simplicity is palpable from start to finish. From one-word song titles to straightforward arrangements, Smith understands the power of austerity. While “Addicted” exemplifies desperation and yearning, tracks like “Gone” and “Time” celebrate introspection and showcase how naturally she can convey hefty emotion. Smith’s voice is impressively—and deceptively—malleable. One moment, it provides peace and serenity; the next, it’s tumultuous, sonorous and all-encompassing.