With artists like Jai’Len Josey leading the way, R&B remains expressive, passionate, groovy, and soulful. I felt all the emotions listening to the Atlanta native’s debut album, Serial Romantic, released Friday, April 24. The 13-track body of work moves between upbeat anthems and slow jams.

Related to the title, Serial Romantic takes listeners through the theme of love, from removing yourself from a relationship that no longer serves you to being open to falling head over heels for someone again. In Josey’s words, “Serial Romantic is about choosing to love again, despite repeated heartbreak, because loving is in our nature.”

The production sounds expensive, and I love it when a project has a high-quality feel. Every lyric, instrument, and vocal placement seems carefully selected to take listeners on a ride I didn’t want to end. Josey has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard; it’s soft yet powerful. I could say I didn’t expect the debut to be this good, but I’d be lying. When I heard “Good Soup” in 2023, I knew the singer and songwriter was a force to be reckoned with.

I recommend listening to the whole album, but these are my favorite songs.

This Time Around

“Trying to recover somehow from the pain, I’ll be okay, if I had you just for my head to lay.”

Second time’s the charm, right? Before Jai’Len even started singing, I was already moving. The beat reminds me of ‘80s R&B with upbeat pop elements. “This Time Around” teaches taking lessons from the first experience and doing things differently the second time.

Lose Somebody

“And if the streets is what you want, please don’t let me get in the way.”

The vibe of this song is that not everyone is replaceable and not everyone sticks around for foolishness. It’s slower-paced, but the lyrics pack a punch. At one point, Jai’Len says if they gave dogs awards, the guy would win first place. Whew!

Out Of My Body

“My heart was on ice cold just like my chain, but you give me feelings I can’t explain.”

My current number one from the album! I love R&B songs with hip-hop elements, and that’s what “Out Of My Body” sounds like. The lyrics capture what it feels like for a woman to truly be in love.

Serial Romantic

“If you think that you’re the one, then show me you’ve got heart.”

Sitting down while listening to “Serial Romantic” is impossible. Jai’Len has options in this song, so may the best man win. The line “Better get to know each other while I’m out in these streets” truly made me laugh.

Header image credit: Courtesy of QualityLenz