Recommended Tracks: “Pretty Intentions,” “Time Zones,” “Unlearn You”
Artists You Might Like: Sabrina Carpenter, ROSIE, Tate McRae
After breaking into the scene in 2022 with debut single, “Hate You,” Jordi had fans in a tizzy. The single was streamed more than 22 million times and became the #1 top-trending song on Snapchat, speaking deeply to those who still have feelings for someone they hate. Since then, Jordi has built a fanbase of 19 million, as her songs are full of heart, vulnerability, and strength—just like those who listen to them. While Jordi has kept her fans entertained with new music over the years, she kept them wondering just when she will release that debut album. Well, what better way to kick off a new year than with this album? It’s finally time for the one and only Jordi.
Those who listened to and loved “Hate You” could probably identify with the post-breakup emotions and thoughts that Jordi described throughout. How is it possible to love someone you don’t want in your life anymore? On Jordi’s opening track, “U Know I Know,” she builds on this idea, choosing to believe that her ex is not over her. She pulls us in with the opening line, “Do you think about me when you’re with someone new?” before leaning into the high-energy beats and pop sensibilities. Later on in the album, we get “Only Reason,” which focuses on the new girlfriend. Here, Jordi observes what is going on between the ex and the current love interest, giving us details like, “She’s looking in your eyes, seeing something / Something kinda like her whole world.” Still, Jordi believes that when he looks into this girl’s eyes, he only sees Jordi. There is also the post-breakup club anthem “Unlearn You.” There is a strong dance vibe to this track, even though it deals with the act of letting someone go. As Jordi tries to rationalize her thoughts, she sings, “Used to call you mine / Now I can’t call you at all” and “Letting you go has my stomach turning / The way that I need you is kinda concerning.” But in the end, she has “never been more ready to let memories go.”
It’s cool to hear how Jordi approaches her feelings from track to track. For instance, on “Pretty Intentions,” Jordi is falling out of love for someone, but she does so in a sassy and peppy way. Over the resonant bass and skittering beats, she sings, “Wasting your breath while we’re still kissing” and “All talk but he never listens / He’s worthy of your suspicions,” seeing right through this deadbeat guy. This straightforward, unapologetic tone also comes through on “Missing,” where Jordi realizes that she could be the one being missed when it’s over. She admits, “Call the police / And start dusting fingerprints off the backseat / Second I leave / You’ll make a scene / Baby, I’m not missing, you’re just missing me.” But then, on “Blink Twice” and “Different,” Jordi gets more vulnerable. She is still falling out of love on these tracks, but she is not as hard and guarded. There is a slick and rhythmic energy on “Blink Twice,” as if Jordi is maintaining her composure while watching her relationship crumble. She notices that her partner is fading, giving us lines like, “Talk but you don’t say nothing / Touch but you don’t feel something.” It can feel isolating, and this feeling comes to a head on “Different.” In this piano-based ballad, Jordi wonders why her partner is not his usual, loving self. It’s a tender moment on the album, showcasing the strength and beauty of Jordi’s artistry.
In between so much heartbreak are songs that dabble in romance. On “Time Zones,” Jordi touches on the strain of long distance in a relationship. From the flights to staying up late just to have some time together, there are so many factors involved in this type of situation. Still, there is a romantic quality to the track with the dreamy synth, riffy vocal melodies, and lyrics like, “Kissing through the screen when / Where you are is where I wanna be.” Elsewhere, Jordi favors her heart over her head on “Keep Driving.” While there are many “red lights” and “red flags” that creep up, Jordi chooses to see green. She wants to stay in this relationship and work through the issues, just like she does on “Time Zones.” Ultimately, she finds herself embracing the love around her on “Butterflies.” Accompanied by fanciful pings and pop beats, she shares, “I don’t wanna fight these butterflies,” surrendering to her desires. It’s a very loving track, and one of the dreamier ones on the album.
After showing her sassy, vulnerable, and loving sides, Jordi ends the album on a self-empowered note with “Sincerely Not Yours.” Throughout the track, you can feel the tension rising with each lyric, each rhythm. Jordi is ready to move on from this partner, this old relationship—in fact, she just wants to “set it on fire.” There is a bite to lines like, “No, it’s not my job to help you grow up and get over me” and “You could have had my love,” which is reminiscent of “Over Love.” On “Over Love,” which is near the beginning of the album, Jordi claims, “I’m so over you / Over us / I’m so over love / Overthink / Over trust / I’m so over love.” With “Sincerely Not Yours,” she comes full-circle and puts the pen down—forever ending this story.
About the album, Jordi shared, “Releasing a self-titled album kind of feels like saying, ‘Hi world, it’s me.’ It sounds intimidating, but I truly think the through-line in the music I’ve made for this project is me, which I find really exciting. Being able to share something I love so much, and to connect with people through that music, feels incredibly special.” The connection is very real because who can’t relate to losing someone, feeling jealous, or being attracted to someone? All the while, Jordi fills this album with dynamic moods and music, practically encouraging listeners to dive deeper and explore whatever may be swirling inside. If this is Jordi saying, “Hi world,” then she has made a strong first impression.
You can listen to Jordi here.
