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EP Thoughts

“Between Us” is a concept album I wish more artists would create. During his residency at Abbey Road Studios, Jordan wanted to challenge himself and his writing style while also introducing some emerging UK artists. He invited five different artists to the studio for a single day session, and these are the songs he recorded from each session.

“What It Gave Me” featuring Jalen Ngonda is a soulful smack in the face!  The bassline chugs through the song, layered with a crisp piano, instantly transporting you back to the late 60s and early 70s when artists like Marvin Gaye ruled the airwaves. Jalen’s register beautifully contrasts with Jordan’s smooth, buttery tone – a perfect match. I genuinely hope this isn’t their only duet. 

“Easy To Love” featuring Tom McFarland is a soulful disco track that truly captivates. The riff, drums and flute work together seamlessly, clearly showcasing the collaboration with a member of the band “Jungle” on the production.  The layered vocals and flute solo inject a fresh and engaging energy into the track, preventing monotony. This dynamic interplay keeps the listener hooked, returning to the familiar verse groove with renewed interest.

“It Never Ends” featuring Femi Koleosoand one of the crispiest jazz drummers in the UK jazz scene right now.  Femi didn’t hold back on this downbeat, creating a groove that’s both infectious and the star of the show. Jordan’s production adds a layer of star-crossed sounds that makes the song feel like it’s soaring through space. It’s a really clever track and I can definitely see it drawing inspiration from Tom Misch and Yussif Dayes’ collaboration from 2020.

“Problem” featuring FKJ is a salutary soul song featuring a very dirty neo soul bassline and a drum hook. The more FKJ and Jordan collaborate, the better they get. In my opinion, the chorus melody is the best on the album. It’s punchy and the organ in the background really hooks you in. It reminds me a lot of Jordan’s second EP, particularly songs like “Shaclackclack The Puppet.”  

Monsters featuring Nubya Garcia is out of this world! Where do I even begin? I’d never heard of Nubya Garcia before this, but goodness gracious, what a saxophone player she is! This is the music I personally love from Jordan Rakei. When he fully embraces his Jazz/Soul roots, like in his older tracks “Talk To Me” or “Clues Blues”, it truly elevates his already impressive musical range. This song is no exception. The collaboration between them reminds me of a more classic soul version of Hiatus Kaiyote. Rakei seamlessly blends the vibe of a jazz saxophone with a drum beat that sounds chaotic yet incredibly crisp. The lyrics and melody are fresh and unheard of, creating a perfect harmony that ties the song together. 

Jordan Rakei is an artist who consistently excites and captivates me, and he’s a constant source of excitement. His ongoing dedication to pushing his craft in innovative ways is truly inspiring. I eagerly anticipate his future creations and contributions to the music world.

Considering its purpose and the artist’s growth, I can’t deny this album deserves the highest marks. It’s incredible that this EP was crafted in just five days by five different artists yet feels so cohesive. Outstanding!

Track List

1. What It Gave Me (feat. Jalen Ngonda)
2. Easy To Love (feat. Tom McFarland)
3. It Never Ends (feat. Femi Koleoso)
4. Problems (feat. FKJ)
5. Monsters (feat. Nubya Garcia)