Happy Almost-Friday! And can you believe we’re already wrapping up another month of 2021? It’ll be summer before we know it, and that usually means a ton of new music and (maybe shows?) are thankfully on the horizon. I wanted to talk about an artist I just discovered a few weeks ago – the amazing UK-born R&B singer/songwriter Rochelle Jordan. I’ll share my first impressions with the song and video for her single “Next 2 You”, which I’ve been listening to on repeat. And you know what’s even better? I’m just in time for a brand new album release THIS weekend!
It seems like the only thing the internet is good for is stumbling across music, and I’m currently in one of those eras where there’s non-stop tunes and music videos being added to my rotation. With videos, they can either work like a companion to support the song’s vibe or message – or they can literally ruin a song for me. But with “Next 2 You”, I honestly can’t even think of a better suited visual accompaniment. It is exceptionally well paired with the lyrics and sound. Not only do I love the song, but if I hear the song independently of the video – I feel like I need to watch the video.
What makes me crazy about this one is, the visuals both expand and retract with the the intensifying bass line and the continued progression of the chorus. That effect alongside the jewel tone highlights was really striking and dynamic; one of the main reasons I felt I needed to write about this. And the snippets that appear to be filmed on VHS really add a nice touch as well. The contrast between the lo-fi footage and the more crisp beauty shots really create a nostalgic, dreamlike atmosphere.
I can’t mention VHS and not talk about the strong 90s vibes she’s giving off here – we love that! But it’s also very present-day and cool and the styling and the sound is right up my alley. It’s like, a very specific, raw, kind of dance/r&b sound that is very rare to pull off so effortlessly. This feels very intentional yet authentic right off the bat. There’s house elements that I really like, too, and the production is sooo clean. In a very non-comparison way, the energy I get when I listen to this is very Disclosure meets Aaliyah meets Crystal Waters – and in my auditory catalog that is high praise and applicable. Every song makes me want to dance (but in the past).
Earlier this month, Jordan’s mini release Something previewed upcoming tracks from the new record, including the singles “Got Em”, “All Along”, “Next 2 You”, and of course – title track “Something”. I know I am super late to the game, but this was technically my first taste of a collection of her songs and literally ALL of them were hits. I’m finding that the little bit Jordan’s discography that I’ve listened to is incredibly consistent, and obviously that’s something that makes me look forward to more. 
That said, her brand new 12-track album Play With The Changes comes out this Friday, April 30th, and it’s almost like I found her at just the right time – I want in on the hype, too!!! I will definitely be playing it straight through once it’s out. For now, get in the mood with “Next 2 You” and I’ll be back to discuss the new record in no time!