JoJo releases new album Good to Know and with vocal quality as pure as Ariana and tracks as sassy and raw as Jhene Aiko, you can’t be disappointed.
The balance of regret, lust and bad decisions are overthrown by the ability to bounce back from a dark place and new record Good to Know from JoJo is absolutely heart-wrenching yet bad-ass all at the same time. Taking control of your own life is a big theme in this album as JoJo is ready to know her worth and not put up with any fake news, whether that be from an ex or a friend.
Pedialyte is about getting too drunk to try and numb the pain which, as everyone has experienced, definitely does not help. The repeated lyrics “Never going to drink again” is a common recurrence in everyone’s mind once the hangover hits and makes the song relatable and enjoyable to listen to. JoJo then tricks the listeners into thinking the song has ended before transitioning to a new, more vulnerable section where she whispers “take me” during what can only be imagined as a one-night stand.
Lust and sex are something that is hinted a lot throughout this album. Gold, which is the next song on the record, immediately starts with a sexy synth riff setting the entire tone of the rest of thet song whilst Comeback is explicit both lyrically and visually.
Of course, sex and alcohol can be seen as a front in this album, there are a few vulnerable songs which completely capture the listener, especially with her incredible Ariana-like vocal riffs in Lonely Hearts and the stripped back acoustics in Small Things. However, there are also moments of knowing your worth and not letting anyone bring you down like Man, Comeback and Don’t Talk Me Down.
Don’t Talk Me Down is an extremely powerful song that has the ability to make anyone feel inspired. With a different tone to the rest of the tracks and a jazzy undertone as well as violin sections, this song could possibly be the best on the record.
To bring this crazy journey to a close, the album ends with the song Proud. All about remembering to be proud of how far you have come and to believe that staying positive can be an achievement. The repeated lyrics “I’m so proud of you” make the listener feel close to JoJo and gives them a sense of hope by reminding them that if she can come out on top, so can they.
Score: 4/5
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