By CLAIRE KIM
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Forget your significant other. Forget your pitiful “I’m lonely” Facebook statuses. Forget your “I’m an empowered, independent, single woman” bit; because this Valentines’ season, all you need to fill the empty void that is your love life is #LoveJo.
After a long hiatus in the music industry, singer/songwriter Jojo has released a mini EP to touch the hearts of all her dedicated fans. The four song EP is beautifully crafted with classic R&B undertones, upbeat pop influences and Jojo’s hot, buttery voice. Not only does the EP capture classic songs with Jojo’s fresh interpretations, but it also showcases new music genres that strip Jojo of her teenage chart-topping mold. The sheer talent projected through each and every vibrato, key change and the overall compilation of songs makes up for the length of this project.
Listeners are lured into the EP by a delicate intro beginning with soft instrumentals and a chilling rendition of spoken word. This intro immediately bleeds into the first full length song of the EP, a jazzy, smooth cover of Anita Baker’s “Caught Up in the Rapture.” We are then brought to the climax of the EP, the hidden gem that is a surprising spin on Philip Collins’ classic “Take Me Home.” Jojo’s voice runs up and down and takes flight over the broken beat, while also maintaining the genuine longing of a classic love song; why would you not want to take her home? We end the #LoveJo experience with the gospel inspired “Glory,” in which her talent is truly highlighted as she performs an extremely spiritual song with a simple piano in the background.
Jojo truly reminded her audience of her raw talent with this release, proving that she will be an artist to look out for in 2014. You can download #LoveJo now on Soundcloud.
