By Claire Kim
Jojo is back, and she has much more than a couple eyebrow piercings and an active Instagram presence to show for it. The twenty-four-year-old pop artist has released three singles simultaneously, ergo Tringle. After a prolonged legal battle with her previous label, Blackground Records, these singles are the first of Jojo’s works to hit the radio in almost a decade. Jojo is filming three separate music videos to accompany her three new songs and the full album should be on its way (fingers crossed!). For all of the waiting fans, it seems that Tringle has delivered some gratification. Although the wait was much too long to say it was “worth it,” these new singles truly embody Jojo’s old R&B sound while also showing off her more mature musical sensibilities. “Say Love,” “Save My Soul” and “When Love Hurts” are a solid preview to the full album and hopefully foreshadow even better songs to come.
“Say Love” is a powerhouse. For those who miss the amazing R&B of the 2000s, this song is for you. The vocal performance, the emotional lyrics and the tugging melodies are all there. Teen Jojo of “Leave” and “A Little Too Late,” has matured into a much more sophisticated and talented woman. She doesn’t let her fans down as her voice alternates between quieter, spoken lyrics and soaring notes that elevate and release effortlessly. “Say Love” is on its way to becoming a classic love tune that sends us back to a time when Mariah Carey, Lil Bow Wow and Ciara ruled our radio stations.
The mid-tempo ballad, “Save My Soul,” reflects Jojo’s experience of witnessing addiction. The honest and frustrated lyrics accompanied by the powerfully memorable hook was already made this song a fan-favorite. The pop base that we expect from Jojo is taken a step further as she involves her own struggles in her work.
“When Love Hurts” is a personal favorite. Noticeably the most upbeat of the three new songs, it brings back the classic “dance-off-your-love-issues” vibe of Jojo’s past. A perfect tune to precede a night out, this song is fun, catchy and totally singable. There is a new electronic, techy sound that Jojo is playing with, and it works.
Our generation grew up with Jojo, so she sings and explores life experiences with us. The songs are a bit of childhood with a lot of changes, providing a way to reflect on the past and the present. Her presence has been long awaited by this generation and her forthcoming albums will continue to grow with us.
