Lost & Found
Released June 8, 2018
Lost & Found is the debut studio album by English singer and songwriter Jorja Smith. Released in 2018, this album immediately established Smith as a significant voice in contemporary R&B and soul music. The album’s sound is characterized by its blend of soulful melodies, R&B rhythms, and Smith’s introspective lyricism, often dealing with themes of love, youth, and social issues.
Jorja Smith’s talents as a vocalist and songwriter are at the forefront of the album, which features her as the primary artist. The production was handled by a range of producers including Charlie J. Perry, who played a significant role in shaping the album’s sound. Lost & Found was recorded in various locations, primarily in London, over several years leading up to its release.
Upon release, the album was met with widespread critical acclaim for its maturity and depth, despite Smith being only 20 at the time. The album performed well commercially, debuting at number three on the UK Albums Chart and also making an impact on international charts.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lost & Found” – 5:14
- “Teenage Fantasy” – 3:46
- “Where Did I Go?” – 3:11
- “February 3rd” – 4:02
- “On Your Own” – 4:01
- “The One” – 3:18
- “Wandering Romance” – 4:35
- “Blue Lights” – 4:11
- “Lifeboats (Freestyle)” – 2:52
- “Goodbyes” – 3:50
- “Tomorrow” – 3:52
- “Don’t Watch Me Cry” – 3:10
Be Right Back
Released May 14, 2021
Be Right Back is the second project by Jorja Smith, released in 2021. While it’s categorized as a mixtape rather than a full studio album, it represents an important chapter in Smith’s discography. The project continues to explore the nuanced emotional landscapes of relationships, self-discovery, and personal growth, all delivered through Smith’s powerful vocal performances.
This project saw Smith collaborating with various artists and producers, including the likes of Ed Thomas and Rahki. Jorja Smith’s role in the songwriting and creative process was more pronounced, showcasing her growth as an artist. The recording of Be Right Back primarily took place in studios across London, reflecting Smith’s ongoing connection to her home city.
Be Right Back was well-received by critics, who praised its cohesiveness and Smith’s vocal prowess. While it didn’t achieve the same commercial heights as her debut, it was a testament to her evolving artistry and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
CD Track Listings:
- “Addicted” – 3:56
- “Gone” – 3:14
- “Bussdown” (featuring Shaybo) – 3:32
- “Time” – 3:28
- “Home” – 3:42
- “Burn” – 4:00
- “Digging” – 3:02
- “Weekend” – 3:39
Falling or Flying
Released September 29, 2023
Falling or Flying is Jorja Smith’s sophomore studio album by British singer Jorja Smith. The album is a blend of various musical styles, including jazz, soul, R&B, and funky house, and reflects Smith’s growth into womanhood. The album’s themes touch on breakups, relationships with friends, and self-reflection, with Smith referring to each song as a “standstill moment”.
The album featured four singles: “Try Me,” “Little Things,” “Go Go Go,” and the title track “Falling or Flying.” A self-directed music video for “Falling or Flying” was released on August 30, 2023. Critically, Falling or Flying received a score of 71 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics praised the album’s focused sound, minimalistic production, and Smith’s exploration of different genres, though some noted a lack of cohesion.
The album features production predominantly by DameDame*, with contributions from other producers like P2J and New Machine. Jorja Smith herself wrote most of the lyrics, with co-writing on some tracks. The album includes features from artists like J Hus and Lila Iké.
The musicians involved in the album include Smith on lead and background vocals, Barbara Boko-Hyouyhat and Edith Nelson on programming and background vocals, along with other artists contributing in various capacities. Technical aspects of the album were handled by professionals like Stuart Hawkes (mastering) and Ricky Damian (mixing and engineering).
In terms of chart performance, the album achieved notable rankings in various countries, including reaching number 1 on the UK R&B Albums chart and number 3 on the UK Albums charts.
CD Track Listings:
- “Try Me” – 3:33
- “She Feels” – 3:12
- “Little Things” – 3:24
- “Flights Skit” – 0:17
- “Feelings” (featuring J Hus) – 3:57
- “Falling or Flying” – 3:24
- “Go Go Go” – 2:25
- “Try and Fit In” – 1:56
- “Greatest Gift” (featuring Lila Iké) – 3:12
- “Broken Is the Man” – 2:12
- “Make Sense” – 2:21
- “Too Many Times” – 2:38
- “Lately” – 2:07
- “BT69 JJY” – 0:25
- “Backwards” – 3:44
- “What If My Heart Beats Faster?” – 4:52
Updated February 24, 2024