These two are very much a “duh” combination, for many reasons. One of them being that Kali Uchis’s flirty, soft bop “Tyrant,” which featured a very brief missive by Jorja Smith, was a Perfect Summer of 2017 Track. Another being that they both embody a type of smoky, era-recalling vibe that doesn’t quite live up to its promise. Smith is sometimes compared to Amy Winehouse or Sade, but Sabrina Claudio or Ella Mai are better approximations. All are young millennial women who produce a certain type of sleepy, seductive bedroom R&B/pop that doesn’t quite scrape the upper echelons of Winehouse or Ms. Adu, but it sure is fun to listen to.


by Jas Keimig