Origin – Jordan Rakei

Harry

Having just come off the back of listening to Skepta’s new effort alongside knowing the square root of fuck all about Jordan might have put him at a disadvantage in this review. However, he really grabbed my attention with his interesting and idiosyncratic collection of songs, which weaved a fantastic array of sounds. ‘You & Me’ epitomises Jordan’s talent on this project. Opening with a truly beautiful piano melody which transitions into a driving verse. The chorus then brings another change, featuring a syncopated and groovy vocal and instrumental melodies. They the song goes full circle and Jordan brings the piano back to end the song with a fantastic piano solo. It is a triumph and other songs take on similar ambitious sonic journeys. I believe it is a piece of art I feel is difficult to judge on first listen but in all honesty, I thought it was class.

88/100

Zach

I have been a big fan of Jordan Rakei for a long time, since his first work with Tom Misch in 2016. As an artist I think he has an amazing singing voice and his songwriting tends to do justice to his great musicality. Origin is a good album, but I don’t think he has done himself justice. While on paper this album has the components of a great album, I think its main flaw is it is overproduced. There seem to be too many effects; too much electronic music; and altogether too many distractions from the music. I think Rakei flourishes with acoustic instruments surrounding him, and it is clear that on Origin, he has had a bigger budget and higher production value than his previous work, which I believe is to the detriment of the album. I would’ve loved to hear a song which is just Rakei and a piano/guitar – guess I have to wait for the live show. All in all, I still enjoyed it as Rakei’s voice is amazing and the songs are well written, I just think he has not put his best foot forward.

76/100