Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying: Album Review

By Micha Thompson on 3rd October 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

Jorja Smith impresses once again on her second studio album, Falling or Flying. It follows the release of her 2018 debut Lost & Found.

Release Date: 29th September 2023

Label: FAMM

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

Falling or Flying is the second studio album from Jorja Smith. This is following the release of her debut album in 2018, Lost & Found, which Jorja gained popularity and huge recognition for.

The R&B sensation Jorja introduces us to her album with the single Try Me. It symbolises what it’s like to feel self conscious and aware of others’ options. Calming drums contrast with the powerful bassline really which give a clear and authentic R&B feel.

With the release of Falling Or Flying, Jorja has been performing in intimate venues with record stores across the UK and still has more to come, as well as her upcoming tour in the coming weeks.

Little Things has been a tune of the summer. It has been remixed with Crystal Waters 1991 hit, Gypsy Woman to great success. Jorja creates a blend of music from contemporary jazz and rave/house from the late 80s/early 90’s.

“With you, it’s such a sweet escape
So if we leave will anybody notice?”

It’s a meaningful track about longing for a specific person in a crowded place, being in the right place at the right time.

The album progresses with Feelings which features British rapper J Hus; marking the second collaboration between the two.

”I know you got your reasons, yeah
I know the meanin’
I know you’re still healin’, baby
But you’re still appealin’”

Feelings is a song that explores problems within a relationship with both individuals wanting each other despite what’s keeping them apart. Not only the significant lyrics, but the tune accompanies it wonderfully – making it yet another successful collaboration between Smith and Hus.

A personal favourite and a beautiful close to the album is What if my heart beats faster? It is an emotional track accompanied by empowering strings and an R&B beat which explores themes of self awareness in a relationship as well as emotional detachment. Jorja writes about being cautious about wanting to be vulnerable and open up, even if her “heart starts beating faster for someone else”.

“If I ever find
My heart beat faster
I could love for miles
And still not open up”

Jorja is heading on tour next month, performing at iconic venues across England such as Kingston’s Pryzm and London’s Troxy. Check out her tour dates here.

Check out Falling Or Flying from Jorja Smith below.