Review: Addicted – Jorja Smith

British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith is back with her new single Addicted and fair to say it’s been worth the wait.

It’s the artist’s first solo track since last July when she released By Any Means. Although she has collaborated with multiple artists over the last few months, including the likes of Popcaan on Come Over, Enny’s Peng Black Girls remix, and I’m Workin with Giggs, we’ve been patiently waiting for her next solo drop.

Smith doesn’t disappoint, returning with her smooth tone and incredible vocals, you can’t help but fall in love. Addicted is an eclectic blend of genres, opening with the sounds of a soft ballad before crossing into more of a dance and pop vibe when the drumbeat, hard-hitting base and distinctive guitar join in on the chorus. As the rhythmic beat builds and shifts into a euphoric coming together of drums and vocals, the track’s infectious energy fills you right to the core.

Making her own genre

“Its powerful lyrics and stripped back parts make it the perfect addition to your ‘break up’ playlist”

Its powerful lyrics and stripped back parts make it the perfect addition to your ‘break up’ playlist or songs you could listen to and cry a little, but equally the looped, infectious beat, and striking drum lend it more to your ‘going out’ playlist or songs you can let go and dance to. Smith’s evident talent allows her work to often place itself into different styles, from R&B to pop or EDM. She admits, “I just do what I do, I just create. My voice makes the genre because I sound like me on all my songs – I’ve made my own genre.”

Embracing honesty

“it’s the raw honesty she brings that makes this track so moving”

Her sultry, soothing tone comes from a place of heart and it’s the raw honesty she brings that makes this track so moving. The song is about love and infatuation. A feeling of aching and suffering becomes evident as the song progresses and the beat that kicks in fuels her words with both frustration and longing. The words of the chorus highlight a desire to be loved whole-heartedly by someone: “The hardest thing / You are not addicted me to / I’m the only thing you should need / You should be addicted to me.” She certainly pulls at your heartstrings here. It’s not only emotional to hear but relatable for so many; a yearning for someone’s attention and requited love. Smith says the song is about “focusing on wanting the full attention of someone who’s not giving enough (or any) when they should be. Whether that be a partner, parent, or friend; just someone who should be giving you back what you give to them.”

Minimalistic music video

“The minimalistic production of the music video conveys the current home life and lockdown boredom amidst a pandemic”

She has also released a music video for the track, which was self-directed alongside Savannah Leaf. Its minimalistic production conveys the current home life and lockdown boredom amidst a pandemic. The video is extremely intimate, shot entirely on a MacBook webcam. Its simple visuals are effective and honest, displaying Smith messing around on camera, riding on horseback, and dancing under a night sky filled with fireworks. Smith says, “the video is multiple versions of me singing the song; having fun dressing up, not trying to be too serious, and just giving myself more freedom.” Although the track’s lyrics adhere to a subdued yearning, the video contrasts with its playfulness. However, the variety of outfits, settings, and times of day effectively reflects an unbalanced relationship as the words of the song suggests.

Excited for what’s to come

“Smith is both humble and honest and that comes through in her music: it’s real, resonating, and irresistible.”

At the age of 23, Smith is taking the music industry by storm. From releasing her debut album Lost and Found in 2018 and winning the Brit Critics’ Choice Award, to winning Best Female Artist in 2019 at the Brit Awards, she continues to accelerate. As a woman, she is both humble and honest and that comes through in her music: it’s real, resonating, and irresistible.

Addicted is a song with lyrics that move you, a beat that gets you dancing and a melody that makes you thankful for its continuous loop in your head. Smith has made a memorable mark with this release at the start of 2021 and leaves us nothing but grateful for her talents and excited for what’s to come. Addicted will certainly have you addicted.

Danielle Saunders

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.