A diva and royalty in her own right, Nigeria-bred and UK-based Elizabeth Johnson was undeniably born for the spotlight, and her multifaceted career is shaping up to be iconic. Elizabeth has an extraordinary way of projecting her voice through her music, both sonically and conceptually, and relating to her listeners’ emotions in the most genuine of ways. Provocative, passionate, yet never scared to make herself vulnerable through songwriting, her music reflects her life’s past, present, and future.
Her unwavering commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity sets her apart. In an industry inundated by sameness, she dares to be herself, rejecting industry trends and instead drawing from her diverse experiences to create a fresh and distinctive sound. The musical world is now on high alert following the announcement of her upcoming debut album, “Reminiscence” which is set to release officially on July 19th on popular streaming platforms.
With this 15-track album, Elizabeth gave her heart and soul, exploring the highs and lows of love, loss, and rediscovery. While she maintains a consistent signature R&B vibe with soulful and jazzy sensibilities, she showcases her versatility by incorporating Afrobeat and Amapiano influences.
Experiencing the raw and unfettered passion unleashed here, you can tell that making this album was one of the most joyful and cathartic experiences of Johnson’s life—she laughed every day, she cried, she pushed herself beyond what she thought she was capable of, and at the end of it all, she fell more in love with being an artist all over again. If you are a fan of music, you will love this album.
One standout jam that caught my ear has to be “Goodbye.” The raw and vulnerable emotions I surrendered here really stuck with me. The intro immerses you with its country-like demeanor, reminiscent of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” as Elizabeth’s soulfully rich and warm vocals punch right through the chest, her poignant lyrics resonating with anyone who has ever loved and lost. This jam is an ode to moving on, reclaiming one’s strength and independence, and more than anything, healing!
Another standout track is “Another Man,” which strikes a chord from the start with its mellow, piano-flavored melodies, setting the scene for Johnson’s gentle yet powerfully expressive vocals. The song gains color and depth as drums, bass, and percussion are added, providing an ideal backdrop for E.J’s immensely expressive vocals. The song’s nostalgic allure is inescapable, but you can still feel an unquestionable amount of modernity, serving both worlds perfectly. As the tune progresses, it adopts a transcendental orchestral feel that enhances its emotional depth. Essentially, “Another Man” is the case of ‘the heart wants what it wants!’
“Can This Really Be Love” showcases another side to Johnson’s artistry; a side that is essentially livelier and vibrant as her sweet-sounding and still soulful vocals levitate beautifully over the Afrobeat-inspired beat that jumps at a listener right from the get-go with its infectious blend of rhythm and melody. Her catchy and memorable lyrics reflect the case of “too good to be true” as she questions whether whatever she is getting is indeed true love or just a façade that will eventually blow up in her face.
In “Reminiscence,” Elizabeth Johnson hits so close to home, tapping into common human experiences, especially when it comes to the intricacies of love.
I have no doubt that this album will be received with critical acclaim thanks to its sufficient blend of raw vocal talent, introspective lyrics and impassioned storytelling.
To put yourself a step ahead of when it finally debuts on July 19th, pre-save this album by checking the link on Elizabeth Johnson’s Instagram bio.
