British pop singer Jorja Smith has officially announced her upcoming album, What the Odds, set for release on August 21. The news came alongside the drop of a sultry new single titled “Alive,” featuring Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Wizkid. The collaboration marks a significant moment in Smith’s career, blending her soulful voice with Wizkid’s signature Afrobeat rhythms.

The single “Alive” combines funky, playful instrumentation with a softer, atmospheric backdrop. Jorja’s harmonies lead into a verse from Wizkid, creating a track that feels both fresh and timeless. The accompanying music video, set in a romantic atmosphere, showcases the two artists singing intimately, highlighting their chemistry. The song is a preview of the broader album, which draws from a variety of genres including UK garage, grime, funky house, and Afro-house.

A New Direction for Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith’s journey to What the Odds has been a natural, organic process. According to an interview with Billboard, the singer had no specific plan when she began working on the album. Instead, she and her regular producer, P2J, started experimenting in the studio. “We just started exploring sounds—UK garage, grime, funky, Afro-house—and the rest followed,” Smith explained. This creative freedom allowed her to trust her intuition, resulting in music that feels both uplifting and introspective.

Jorja Smith first burst onto the scene in 2017 with her debut single “Blue Lights,” a track that addressed police violence and societal issues. She gained further recognition with her feature on Drake’s “Get It Together” and her debut album Lost & Found (2018), which earned her a Mercury Prize nomination and a Brit Award for Best Female Solo Artist. Her sophomore album Be Right Back (2021) explored themes of love and heartbreak, but What the Odds represents a more mature and experimental phase.

The album’s title, What the Odds, reflects a theme of chance and fate. In her own words, the music is “rather uplifting, while the lyrics sometimes become a little sad.” She explains that the album deals with maturity, love, relationships, loss, and friendship, all through the lens of personal growth. “As I mature, I understand more about life, and that comes through in the songs,” Smith said.

Collaborations: Wizkid and Devlin

One of the most exciting aspects of What the Odds is the array of collaborations. Alongside Wizkid on “Alive,” the album features British grime artist Devlin on a reworked version of Smith’s earlier single “This City,” now titled “London City.” The collaboration brings together two distinct UK music scenes, grime and pop, while also honoring Smith’s roots.

Wizkid, a Nigerian superstar who has achieved global crossover success with hits like “Essence” and “Ojuelegba,” brings his distinct Afrobeat vibe to “Alive.” His feature is a natural fit for Smith’s genre-blending style. Wizkid’s influence on the track enhances its sensuality and global appeal. The collaboration also underscores the growing connection between Afrobeats and UK pop, a trend that has been gaining momentum with artists like Burna Boy and Tems finding international fame.

Smith has always been open to crossing musical boundaries. Her early work incorporated elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop, but What the Odds pushes further into dance-oriented sounds. “Alive” is a perfect example—it’s upbeat yet intimate, designed to make listeners move while still connecting emotionally.

Tracklist and Thematic Depth

The album will feature 12 tracks, each exploring different emotional landscapes. The tracklist includes:

• “For Life”
• “What Are The Odds”
• “What’s Done Is Done”
• “This City” (feat. Devlin)
• “Pretend”
• “The Way It Was”
• “I Lied, You Lied”
• “Dancing”
• “Alive” (feat. Wizkid)
• “Young Heart”
• “Make It Your Home”
• “When It Gets Like That”

From the titles, it’s clear that the album delves into introspection, regret, and hope. Songs like “I Lied, You Lied” hint at relationship turmoil, while “Young Heart” suggests a celebration of youthful resilience. Smith’s ability to balance upbeat production with vulnerable lyrics is a hallmark of her artistry.

Background on Jorja Smith’s Career

Born in Walsall, England, in 1997, Jorja Smith grew up listening to a wide range of music, from reggae and soul to hip-hop and pop. She began writing songs at age 11 and later studied at the BRIT School. Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she released “Blue Lights” independently, leading to a record deal with FAMM. Since then, she has been praised for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics.

Smith has always used her platform to address issues such as racism, police brutality, and mental health. Her debut album Lost & Found received critical acclaim for its raw emotion and sophisticated production. The album’s success opened doors for collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar (on “I Am” from the Black Panther soundtrack) and Kali Uchis.

In recent years, Smith has continued to evolve, experimenting with new sounds while maintaining her core identity. Her 2023 single “Little Things” showed a more acoustic side, but What the Odds indicates a return to danceable, genre-fluid pop. The inclusion of Afrobeats star Wizkid also highlights her interest in global music trends.

Album Promotion and Tour Plans

As part of the album’s promotion, Smith has been dropping teasers on social media, building anticipation among fans. The single “Alive” has already been well-received on streaming platforms, with fans praising its catchy hook and Wizkid’s smooth verse. Music critics have noted that the track is a perfect summer anthem, blending warmth and sensuality.

While no official tour has been announced yet, industry insiders expect Smith to embark on a world tour following the album release. Her previous tours have included sold-out shows in London, New York, and Lagos, reflecting her international appeal. Given the global nature of What the Odds, a tour that highlights both Western and African influences seems likely.

The album arrives at a time when British artists are increasingly collaborating with African musicians. Smith’s partnership with Wizkid could be a stepping stone for more cross-continental projects. For now, fans can enjoy “Alive” and look forward to the full album in August.

Jorja Smith’s What the Odds promises to be a compelling addition to her discography, showcasing her growth as an artist and her willingness to take creative risks. With its diverse influences and emotional depth, the album is set to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News