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The ShortListen: Jorja Smith (no. 289)

Hotly-tipped new soul singer returns with second track

The ShortListen: Jorja Smith (no. 289)
11 April 2016

Who? Jorja Smith

What’s the story? Walsall teenager Jorja Smith emerged from nowhere back in February with the magnificent Blue Lights, instantly making her the hottest new act around, with a scrum of music industry execs attending her first London show in March. With the hype reaching hysterical levels, she's now unveiled her second track and, perhaps wisely, it's a very understated affair. The production is sparse - utilising a sample from 17th Century English composer Henry Purcell - but hugely compelling, leaving Jorja's voice plenty of space to showcase itself. It could have been taken straight from Tricky's classic 1994 debut Maxinquaye, whilst it also exhibits elements of Portishead's greatest moments. It's nowhere near as instant as Blue Lights, but it's another signpost that we're dealing with something very special here.

For fans of: Tricky, Martina Topley-Bird, Portishead

In three words: Downbeat nu-trip hop

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