Throughout the 13 tracks, we hear Joy explore various topics, such as; immigration, break-ups, generational trauma, tory neighbourhoods and mental health. These stories are met with the entrancing sound of Neo-Soul, a genre which embraces influences from Jazz, Funk, R&B and much more. Crookes has a sound reminiscent of the great Amy Winehouse with a similar London songwriter style, yet blends her own Bagladeshi-Irish heritage within her music, setting her apart from comparisons.

The album’s lead single ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’ saw Crookes embracing her heritage in the music video, stunning in a Saree and Bangladeshi accessories. She did this whilst incorporating the culture of growing up in London into her lyrics, in an empowering account to inspire listeners to stand their ground and fight for what they believe in. 

One of the most personal tracks on the album ‘Unlearn you’ sends a poignant message on the effects of sexual violence, and how when faced with such a difficult situation, you can be left wishing you could reject that someone hurt you in such an inhumane way.

Speaking on the song, Joy said; 

“I don’t know how I managed to get that one out. I had the lyric, ‘unlearn you from my body’, and I was interested in how, when you break up with someone, you still have phrases that you share and so you have to unlearn them. 

Then when I started to write the melody, I realised what I’m really trying to talk about is unlearning something that happened to me that was completely out of my control.

It’s something that happens to so many men and women. You’re in a situation where someone else takes control of your body, your mind, your everything and how do you survive? How do you, more importantly, find a way to unlearn that from your body and not blame your body and not blame yourself for something as scary as that.”

It’s clear that Crookes poured her heart into this album, with many songs covering personal topics that must have been hard to sing. However, there are uplifting moments, such as ‘When You Were Mine’, which takes us on the eventful ride of Joy discovering her first love was actually gay. She says that a celebration of their love is at the heart of the track, intertwined with the slight bit of jealousy she felt seeing her ex move into a different relationship, made perfectly clear within the lyrics; 

“I’m shook but you look good together

I had my hesitation, but I just can’t hate him”. 

‘Skin’ is an album which sets an endearing soulfulness alight, projected through personal and thought provoking topics that take the listener on a rollercoaster of bittersweet emotions, as is life.

Words By Nadia Clasper

_{Photo Credit: Toast Press/Sony Music UK}

The post Joy Crookes Brings A Soulful Insight With Her Debut Album ‘Skin’ appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Lil Nas X is known for his outrageous outfits and electric performances but announcing his new album, Montero, via Instagram with posts of the star dawned in flowers and a pregnant belly (with an ultrasound scan included) is unexpected, even for him. The debut album will include 15 tracks and numerous collaborations, including Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Elton John, Meghan thee Stallion and Miley Cyrus. Montero is released on the 17th of September, the outrageous creativity of Lil Nas X is something you do not want to miss!

The album art for Montero is overwhelming in the best way possible – the viewer enters an idyllic, natural environment, surrounded by ancient Greco-Roman buildings. Lil Nas explained via Twitter that ‘the album art is a continuous loop, to represent the circle of life.’ He also notes the digital art of John Stephens, Genesis II, as a source of inspiration. The cover is vibrant, uplifting and poised between futuristic and a return to antiquity, including God’s creation of heaven and earth (another reference point explained by Lil Nas X on Twitter).

Earlier this week, Lil Nas X took to Instagram to share a parody alternative to Drake’s cover for Certified Lover Boy, created by Damien Hirst. Lil Nas’ version alters the multiple pregnant female emojis to become men, anticipating his later album photoshoot where he adopts a pregnant belly.

‘Montero (Call Me by Your Name)’ debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, whilst ‘Industry Baby’ debuted at number 2, proving Lil Nas X’s debut album will be highly anticipated. From his magnificent red carpet outfits to outrageous music videos, astounding creative output, all on top of his catchy and infamous singles – Lil Nas X is a powerful force in the music industry, putting over 100% into everything he does.

Get ready for Lil Nas X’s Montero, released on the 17th of September!

Words by Caitlin Sahin

The post Lil Nas X Is Pregnant With A Baby And Also A Debut Album, Montero appeared first on Voir Fashion.