Review
"Lost & Found" captures the essence of a young woman working through life's complexities with remarkable wisdom and vulnerability. Jorja Smith pulls from a five-year creative journey, transforming songs she penned between 16 and 21 into a cohesive statement about growing up in an uncertain world. Her voice carries the weight of her influences—you can hear echoes of Adele's emotional honesty and Amy Winehouse's raw authenticity—while still maintaining something entirely her own. The album's strength lies in how naturally it weaves together dancehall rhythms, gospel warmth, and jazz sophistication without ever feeling forced or calculated.
What makes this debut particularly striking is Smith's ability to balance personal reflection with broader social commentary. "Blue Lights" tackles racial injustice with unflinching directness, while "Goodbyes" explores the tender ache of lost love with equal conviction. Working alongside producers like Jeff Kleinman and Tom Misch, she's created something that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary. The album's climb to number three on the UK Albums Chart and its Gold certifications speak to how ready listeners were for Smith's particular blend of introspection and activism, delivered through a voice that manages to be both powerful and intimate. - Megan
