Album Review - “Just Listen” by Sam Watson
Modern Day R&B is a fun concept. Subject matter-wise, the topics remain much the same, exploring romantic relationships in different dynamics, whether sexual, argumentative, or everything in between. However, the modernity of the art comes in its deliverance, where the singer enters a more hip-hop-ish space. Singing, while more sporadic, is delivered within a space that most rappers would salivate to have. This summary can also be said about the production, as instrumentals occupy an intersectional bubble that walks the thin line between Kid Cudi and Jhene Aiko. This summary is the definitive case of Sam Watson's EP Just Listen, A textbook example of Modern R&B and its steady progression.
Just Listen, to summarize, is a carefully constructed introspective take about the trials and platitudes that follow love, accentuating the outcomes of fights, heartaches, and stressors where moments of “Are they worth it?” meet the road of “I can’t believe we’re going through this.” moments in love. The project is over 20 minutes of relatability accompanied by equal parts of shared experiences, whether through pain, confusion, or insight that we have all experienced in one way or another.
Production wise, to know Sam Watson is to understand that this would be a strong point of the project. Opening the EP with “Leveled Up” listeners are treated to bubbling electronic pianos, subtle synths, and minimal drums to craft a remarkable two-step anthem. Watson is a bit of a wizard productionally, so even if the lyrics aren’t your cup of tea (something I highly doubt as you will enter this project expecting to hear an R&B EP), you will find yourself head-nodding or snapping because of the thematic atmosphere he’s able to capture with his production tales. Nothing on this project is overbearing production-wise, and even better, everything falls in place as it should. Take the song “Pick & Choose,” this is a great example of the high quality of production, where you will not find yourself asking, “Should he have gone with ___ instead of doing ____.” That’s always the mark of great production.
As mentioned before, this project is short, but not short enough to leave you wanting more. It does enough to make a lasting impact, and within that impact, you will enjoy Watson's talent as a credible singer with pretty straightforward lyrics (Seriously, he doesn’t say a single metaphor in the entire project). However, along with his talents, Watson boasts an impressive roster of features throughout the six songs. Songs like the Ari B assisted “You Don’t Know” highlight the songstress as a capable voice willing to match Watson's note for note. Dria Scott, on the aforementioned “Pick and Choose,” is a fun change of pace as her lighter voice immediately stands out. All of which find their lane and make the most of their respective verses.
Overall, Just Listen is a fun album. It’s chock-full of songs exploring the many shades of love and heartbreak. There are introspective moments of understanding self-worth that Watson, whether purposefully or incidentally, explores thoroughly throughout this EP. Overall, it’s a project you will appreciate as you examine its high replay value. You can listen to the project here.
