Jorja Smith review – mega-watt charisma powers ambitious new songs

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Jorja Smith Shines in First UK Tour Since 2018 with New Album Songs"

Jorja Smith review – mega-watt charisma powers ambitious new songs analysis cover image The Guardian 7.4
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/2e2e33f64c4c3fcc591261fd63fb74b262f5ea31/0_45_1200_960/master/1200.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctcmV2aWV3LTQucG5n&enable=upscale&s=3f373d9e0813d7fcaa65aee154c6b627
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/27/jorja-smith-review-uk-tour-glasgow-o2-academy
View Raw Article Source (External Link)
Raw Article Publish Date:
AI Analysis Average Score: 7.4
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Jorja Smith's recent performance marks her first UK tour since 2018, showcasing her evolution as an artist since the release of her acclaimed debut album. With a mix of caution and charisma, Smith opened the show with her track "Try Me," hinting at the complexities of her journey. Despite her early success, including Grammy nominations and collaborations with major artists like Drake and Stormzy, Smith chose to take her time on her sophomore album, "Falling or Flying," which was released in 2023. This decision to step back from the limelight and craft her sound over five years reflects her artistic integrity and desire to present a more nuanced musical identity. The new album incorporates diverse sonic elements, and during the concert, these ambitious sounds were complemented by the energy of an eight-piece band, including two drummers who added depth and excitement to the performance.

As the concert progressed, Smith's confidence grew, and her vocals became increasingly powerful, captivating the audience. The blend of her older tracks with the new arrangements from "Falling or Flying" resonated well, with backing singers enhancing the performance through rich harmonies. Notably, the high-energy rock track "Go Go Go" allowed Smith to fully express her intensity, while the concert's closing numbers turned into a celebration, resembling a lively house party. Smith's interaction with the audience felt intimate and engaging, and she concluded with a promise to return sooner for another tour. This performance not only highlighted her growth as an artist but also demonstrated her ability to connect with fans on a personal level, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in contemporary music.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The review of Jorja Smith's recent performance highlights her evolution as an artist while also examining her ability to connect with the audience. With her first UK tour since 2018, the article reflects on her journey, including her time away from the limelight and the development of her new album, "Falling or Flying." This narrative serves multiple purposes, including celebrating her comeback and reinforcing her status in the music industry.

Artist's Growth and Audience Connection

Smith’s cautious demeanor at the beginning of the show contrasts with her eventual embrace of the audience, showcasing her growth as a performer. The article suggests that her time spent refining her music has paid off, leading to a more dynamic stage presence. This portrayal seeks to foster a sense of admiration and support from fans and critics alike, reinforcing the idea that true artistry involves patience and dedication.

Musical Evolution

The review emphasizes Smith's expanded sonic palette in her latest album, suggesting a maturity that incorporates various musical elements. By showcasing her ability to reinterpret older tracks with new arrangements, the article positions her as an innovative artist who is not afraid to experiment. This aspect aims to create an impression of Smith as a forward-thinking musician, potentially attracting new listeners while satisfying long-time fans.

Community and Cultural Relevance

The mention of her collaborations with other prominent artists like Drake and Stormzy situates Smith within a broader cultural context, highlighting her relevance in contemporary music. The article may be intended to resonate with diverse audiences, particularly those who appreciate the fusion of different genres and the cultural significance of such collaborations.

Potential Impacts on Public Perception

This review has the potential to influence public perception of Jorja Smith, encouraging a more profound appreciation for her artistry. By framing her return in a positive light, the article could motivate increased attendance at her shows and heightened interest in her music. Such reactions could lead to a positive ripple effect on her record sales and overall market presence.

Manipulative Aspects and Trustworthiness

While the review is largely celebratory, it could be argued that there is a subtle manipulation in the narrative that glorifies Smith’s comeback, perhaps downplaying any challenges she faced during her hiatus. However, the overall tone remains genuine, suggesting a low level of manipulation in the reporting. The authenticity of Smith’s experience is echoed through the language used in the article, which is primarily focused on her talent and growth.

In summary, the review presents a trustworthy account of Jorja Smith's performance and artistic journey. It effectively captures the essence of her evolution while engaging with the audience's sentiments, creating a narrative that celebrates her achievements and invites further exploration of her music.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/27/jorja-smith-review-uk-tour-glasgow-o2-academy

As the crowd roars, and an eight-piece band gathers close,Jorja Smithappears cautious, maybe guarded. Even the singer’s opening gambit Try Me throws up a challenge: “I say your mind’s made up on me,” she sighs, her voice silky.

This is Smith’s first UK tour since 2018, when, at just 21, her raw, atmospheric debut album won Grammy and Mercury nominations, Brit awards and a host of celebrity fans. Glitzy features with Drake, Stormzy and Burna Boy followed, but otherwise Smith resisted the playbook for sudden fame. She left London for home town Walsall, spent five years on her follow-up album, 2023’s pointedly titled Falling or Flying, and only now, another two years later, is she touring those songs.

Her searing, smoky voice is used sparingly to start, sometimes even drowned out by the power of the band’s two drummers. But by Feelings, a duet with rapper J Hus whose verses are covered well by a backing singer, Smith drops the wall. She beams mega-watt charisma through the track’s lyrically chilly push-and-pull, and slinks between risers, glamorously at ease.

Falling or Flying expanded her sonic palette with serrated guitar, unusual textures, and a theatrical sense of scale. Tonight even her older tracks benefit from this new ambition. Backing singers bring lush, Solange-esque harmonies to a reimagined version of February 3rd, and there’s a rich, bassy funk to Where Did I Go? The double-drummers inject pure adrenaline into Go Go Go, a rock track with a new wave swing that seems to unlock something in Smith: the intensity suits her.

By now, those belting vocals are bringing the room closer, rather than holding the audience at a distance, and when Smith’s singers join her centre stage for a closing run through her poppier, non-album singles such as flirty Be Honest and straight-talking bassline hit Little Things, it feels like a house party instead of a point to prove. Shining and loose, Smith coos to the front rows. “I won’t leave it so long next time,” she promises, with the confidence of a star who knows she can have this whenever she chooses.

Jorja Smith plays Manchester Apollo, 29 and 30 May,then touring.

Back to Home
Source: The Guardian