Jaz Karis has arrived. The talented singer-songwriter out of South London crosses the pond with the release of her debut album SAFE FLIGHT. A graduate of the UK’s prestigious performing arts academy The BRIT School, Karis follows in the footsteps of legendary alumnae like Adele, the late Amy Winehouse and rising star Raye and charts her own course.
SAFE FLIGHT includes thirteen tracks, including the heartfelt opener “NOSTALGIA – Intro.” Jaz pays homage to her teen years and reflects on the great times she had with family and friends. The track includes an outro from DJ Ace setting us up for what’s to come on the project and wishing the listeners a safe flight.
The song “LYTM,” an acronym for “Love You That Much,” follows and focuses on the demise of the longest relationship she’s ever had. She cherishes the time they shared, but although it hurts, she knows in her heart it’s time to move on. “And I’m not happy for you / But I won’t get in your way / And I still adore you / But I can’t make the same mistake,” she sings.
Despite the sad ending to her relationship, Jaz is still a hopeless romantic. She shows and proves that on the next two songs, the singles “TEQUILA” and “SUNSET BLVD.” The lover girl brings island vibes on “TEQUILA” with its hypnotic beat and a feature from Nigerian artist Reekado Banks, who complements her nicely on this mid-tempo banger. On “SUNSET BLVD,” Jaz rides the funky bass line with her sweetly smooth vocals. She lets the world know she’s found the one as she sings, “I’m coming around to settling down / Yeah, I could stay every night / You got me right / So glad I’m off the merry-go-round.”
Karis stays in relationship mode on “TALK ABOUT IT” and “MET YOU AT A BAR.” On the former, she acknowledges that many in her generation – herself included – are too quick to give up on relationships when they should be willing to talk through their issues. On the latter, Jaz solicits the help of Tone Stith to tell the story of a chance encounter between two consenting adults and how they see the encounter differently. The she-said-he-said style duet set to jazzy neo-soul instrumentation with a knocking drum beat makes this the sonic centerpiece of the album and a showcase of Jaz and Tone’s talents.
“WATER – Interlude” may be an interlude, but it hits like a full track. Jaz expresses that a relationship she’s in flows like water, as it keeps filling up her up and helping her be the best she can be. It also features a voicemail from a friend expressing their appreciation and support for her, something she needs as she embarks on her next journey.
Jaz picks up the pace on “SIMS CASTAWAY,” a song she penned in 2020 during the pandemic. The name comes from her love of playing The Sims video game while enjoying a gin and tonic. She collaborated with Afrobeats producer Juls, who delivered a smooth, catchy beat that fits the song perfectly.
The songstress has something for those who are in toxic relationships, but for whatever reason, can’t seem to let go and move on with “CHILL ON ME.” June Freedom joins Jaz, and they trade verses laced with mixed messages. They know they are bad with each other, but what they share keeps them coming back. The song’s familiar melody echoes Sade’s iconic hit “Kiss Of Life.”
- Advertisement -Stith returns to produce “2242,” which he co-wrote with Jaz and Tiara Thomas. Jaz’s serene vocals are complemented by Tone’s falsetto backgrounds on the bass-heavy groove. The song title reflects military and UK time of 10:42 p.m., a time that fits the scenario described in the song. Jaz finds herself in a situation where she likes someone but knows she does not deserve that person at this point in her life. She laments, “Maybe we could get it right / I know I’m just wastin’ time, your time.”
The final feature on the album comes from fellow British artist Mahalia who joins Karis on “NICE GIRLS.” Their vocals blend perfectly on the acoustic guitar-driven melody. The ladies exchange melancholy lyrics about a nice girl coming to grips with the fact that she is not enough for her mate and choosing to protect her heart.
- Advertisement -“LOVE ME” continues this theme of sad endings. Jaz lets her ex know that she is going to be all right without him and lets out some pent-up frustration as she tells him exactly how she feels. “Even if you don’t love me / I’m good on God,” she assures her ex.
The album ends on a spiritual note with “PRAYER.” Karis dedicates the song to a friend struggling with alcohol abuse and shares the importance of faith and prayer.
- Advertisement -Jaz Karis’ SAFE FLIGHT is an incredible debut that highlights her vocal and songwriting abilities and firmly establishes her as an R&B artist with range. After taking listeners on the wings of love and sometimes enduring a bumpy ride, this album lands beautifully.
Jaz Karis SAFE FLIGHT [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
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