Now Playing: The Space Between

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Moving into a more relaxed portion of the record, the next track was a pleasant surprise.Discovering that “You” landed on the tracklist was really cool, because I remember Majid Jordan performing an early, minimal version of this during the first North American tour circuit. 

I like that it’s still very simple, but with a ton of complex elements that give the final version that somethin’. Again, very dreamy, throwback, and sexy. This track is basically a 6 minute body-roll.

I know it’s been a while but I still think about you naked
Especially when I’m wasted
I just wanna taste your body babe

Next up is “Phases”, which was released as the first official single from The Space Between, and was one of the more recent times that I can remember purchasing a single. I had to IMMEDIATELY hear it the moment word broke of new material. 

I didn’t know what to expect from the title but instantly appreciated the storytelling aspect of the lyrics, and felt like a more direct autobiographical moment.

I came to this country, didn’t know a damn thing. 18 years old and in need of planning.
Thought I was ready; I wasn’t ready
Guess it’s me and myself again
Time to go make some friends
Find me somebody to keep me safe

On what I would call another ambitious moment on the record, on “Asleep” Majid explores an element of his vocal range we’ve yet to hear on any other songs. In the chorus he relatably sings “I think ’til I fall asleep…” in a smooth falsetto that almost catches you off guard. Love the beat on this one and I could definitely imagine hearing this playing on mainstream radio. The album continues to wind-down with slow jam “What You Do To Me” which incorporates these almost elastic, futuristic synth effects amidst the sensual verses from ya boy.

I wanna love you sideways
Back of the car and 100 miles on the highway
That’s only if we make it out of the driveway
All that you give me, all that you make me

I absolutely love that the bridge and outro on this one incorporate that classic, electric organ sound that is so synonymous with Majid Jordan production. It’s also the perfect arrangement to transition into the next song. “My Imagination” featuring OVO label-mate dvsn was the third official single to drop prior to the album’s October release. The atmosphere on this song sounds like everything around me is a soft, but fiery hot pink and I’m floating in the galaxy around Saturn’s rings. Specific, I know, but just listen and you’ll see:

Also, I eat my words with what I said about collaborations because this one finally hit the nail on the head. I love the pounding bass, and these wavy, warped vibrations that sound so good behind the beat in the chorus. It’s also super emotional and honest and that’s one of my favorite characteristics of their album content. The record closes out with title track “The Space Between”, which appropriately encourages one to live in the moment and be present. 

Everybody’s on the wall
Waiting on some alcohol
Nobody here wants to talk
No one’s on the dance floor
I don’t plan on leaving soon
How ’bout we switch up the mood?

This song just sounds like you want to grab all of your friends, and remember to spend time with the ones you love. I remember hearing this on the livestream for the album release and that’s exactly what was happening as the album came to a close. The stream featured live footage of Majid and Jordan alongside all of their friends and family, hanging out in an indoor skate park and just enjoying each other’s company while the album played in the background. The record ends with a relaxing exit piece titled “Outro”. It has this “last call”, nostalgic, everyone-grab-your-coat-and-head-out, party’s over kind vibe. It sounds like kissing your loved ones goodbye and watching them back out of the driveway to call it a night. It echoes with samples and loops of other moments on the record, in a pitched-down, chopped and screwed kind of way. The music then simply fades into the distance and ends just as memorable as it began. The journey (or at least this chapter) is complete.

In just 10 days I’ll be seeing these guys again for the 4th or 5th time here in Chicago, and tickets for the February 21st show are still on sale! Don’t miss out on Majid Jordan at The Vic for the 2018 The Space Between Tour!

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