Jorja Smith's Dance-Focused LP Keeps Her Voice at a Distance
The UK singer's third album leans into UK garage, funky, and house, but her vocals often blend into the production rather than commanding it. While a few tracks like 'What's Done Is Done' show momentum, much of the record feels dreamy yet emotionally detached. Smith's response to past online scrutiny and an AI voice-cloning incident may explain the intentional distance she maintains throughout.
The album arrives after a turbulent period for Smith, who stepped back from social media following public scrutiny of her body and later became entangled in a dispute when the dance act Haven released a track with vocals resembling hers, prompting her label to allege AI cloning. Producer P2J, known for his work with Wizkid, crafts the record's synth-heavy soundscape across two-step garage, UK funky, and house. Smith's feature list remains minimal, with only grime rapper Devlin and Wizkid appearing, though neither collaboration leaves a strong impression. Her previous album, Falling or Flying, showcased more dynamic physicality in tracks like "GO GO GO" and "Try Me," where percussion carried emotional weight. Here, her voice frequently sits level with programmed drums, drenched in reverb, creating a dreamy but detached atmosphere that rarely shifts across the tracklist.
This album may signal a broader shift in how artists respond to digital threats and public scrutiny. Smith's retreat from social media and the AI voice-cloning incident could reflect a growing wariness among musicians about their digital likenesses. The record's emotional distance may resonate with listeners who value artistic boundaries, though it risks alienating fans seeking the raw intimacy of her earlier work. The AI controversy also highlights industry-wide concerns about vocal ownership, potentially influencing how labels approach copyright and artist protection in the streaming era.