Album Review: JoJo’s “Mad Love”

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JoJo’s Mad Love is everything you hoped it would be and more.

Album: MAD LOVE
Artist: JoJo
Label:Atlantic
Release Date: October 14th, 2016
Rating:

Written By: Akii Butler

It’s been nearly 10 years since R&B/Pop, singer-songwriter Jojo has released an album. After debuting in 2004, at the young age of 13, JoJo went on to become the youngest artist to have a number one single in America. 10 years later, with 7 million albums sold and a vicious lawsuit with her former record label, Blackground Records behind her, JoJo has finally her released her third studio album Mad Love, and it’s like she never left.

Sonically the album is a mix of R&B and Pop,which has been her signature sound since her debut. The album was preceded by the lead single and anthem, “F*** Apologies,” featuring, Wiz Khalifa, one of only three guest features on the album.
The album itself is more than just about boys. Yes, the album may be titled Mad Love, but it stands out as it tackles the struggles she’s been through since her second album The High Road.
On the beautifully written ballad “Music,” she tackles the loss of her father, Joel Levesque, who died last November, singing, “went on the road to make my daddy proud But I lost him and so I sang to the crowd,”/ “My only hope is that he’s looking down.” The lyrics of the song are not only powerful, but the vocals as well. Doing what she does best JoJo shows her peers like Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly, why she was the first to do it at only 13 years old.

The album’s other highlights include the title track “Mad Love,” a soulful track about a toxic relationship that she just can’t get enough of because the love is just too good. “I Can Only,” features pop’s newbie Alessia Cara, who adds her own flare to the song. The album’s best track “High Heels,” is everything Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” tried to be, a powerful, bad b*tch anthem.
Anyone who claimed that JoJo peaked with her second album are eating their words. Not only have her vocals matured, but her sound has evolved and her presence is bigger than ever.

Mad Love is not only a comeback album, but her revival. Filled with R&B and Pop grooves as well as powerful ballads about love, sex and self acceptance, JoJo puts herself ahead of this generation’s new Pop girls and it doesn’t look like her position will be taken anytime soon.