I remember being twelve years when I heard one of the most timeless pop songs ever – and it was sung by a girl around my age. I was in awe of her vocal prowess and it filled me with full blown admiration for her. As an avid fan, I waited for her latest music video to hit TRL, and got excited hearing her played on the radio (streaming and portable players were non-existent back then, kids). It was euphoric following someone of my own generation who was successful in a career I only dreamed of pursuing (yes, I sing in the shower). But because of label troubles this artist went under the radar while her the fan-dom waited in limbo…
That song then was ‘Leave (Get Out)’ and that girl was Joanna Noëlle Blagden Levesque, a.k.a. Jojo. Fast forward ten years and she is back to reclaim her rightful place in the music scene.
Jojo’s third brainchild has 15 Pop and R&B infused tracks, including collaborations with some familiar names. Each song ends at a full stop, and is said to be the artist’s way of expressing each title as a statement.
The album starts on a personal note with ‘Music,’ a song that is redolent yet emotionally charged – including a wonderful dedication to her late father who passed just last year. The pace switches up to an upbeat and empowering ‘I Can Only’ featuring the uber talented Alessia Cara. The next single ‘No Apologies’ shows off Jojo’s vocal sass and ‘no regrets’ attitude, in collaboration with lyrical poet, Wiz Khalifa. The controversial Remy Ma, joins Levesque for a double trouble track entitled, ‘FAB.’ – which I learned was an acronym (heads up, it’s not what you think it means).
‘Mad Love’ makes its debut in the track list and will take you back to Jo’s notable ‘How to Touch a Girl’ days. Then there’s a pleasing turn with the rocking ‘Vibe’ that will get you to drop everything and dance. The tempo continues with ‘Honest’ and ‘Like This’ and then slows for ‘Edibles.’ The album picks up with the woman-empowerment anthems ‘High Heels’ and ‘I Am’ while ‘Clovers’ stands out for its visual lyrics and synth beats, followed by ‘Reckless,’ which is an unapologetic love song. ‘Good Thing’ brings up the mood and prepares for ‘Rise Up’ which closes the album on a positive note.
Jojo calls it a reintroduction for old and new listeners alike. Some, including me, call it the comeback of the decade. She exceeded all expectations by returning to the industry with indomitable skill and a go-getter disposition. It may have taken a long time, but the doings of the universe have their reasons. Jojo used her time wisely, mastering her art, learning over and over, ‘til it was perfect. Now she is ready to take the world by storm.
