Released 10 years ago
In My Mind
BJ the Chicago Kid · 2016
62 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A rich tapestry of contemporary R&B interwoven with soulful melodies and heartfelt narratives that explore love and self-discovery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Church — This track stands out for its uplifting message and gospel-infused sound, reflecting BJ's roots while addressing themes of faith and community.
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Love Inside — With its smooth groove and romantic lyrics, this song encapsulates the essence of vulnerability and intimacy, showcasing BJ's vocal prowess.
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Woman’s World — This empowering anthem celebrates femininity and resilience, illustrating BJ's ability to address social themes within the context of romance and respect.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has some pacing issues in its lengthy tracklist.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by a sequence of tracks that gradually build in emotional intensity.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, enhancing the soulful feel of the music.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contemplative closing that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt narratives of self-discovery
- soulful melodies for intimate moments
- reflective listening during quiet evenings
- emotional depth in every track
- smooth transitions between songs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat party vibes
- want instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'In My Mind' was released in 2016, BJ the Chicago Kid had already established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B. This album followed his well-received debut, 'Pillows' (2012), and marked a significant step towards mainstream recognition, showcasing his versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anderson .Paak· Leon Bridges· Khalid
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Heart Crush
The song shifts from reflective verses to an emotionally charged chorus that expresses heartbreak.
This transition amplifies the emotional stakes, contrasting moments of introspection with a powerful declaration of pain.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:41
- 2 Man Down 3:29
- 3 Church 4:47
- 4 Love Inside 3:47
- 5 The Resume 6:03
- 6 Shine 3:19
- 7 Wait Til the Morning 4:54
- 8 Heart Crush 4:38
- 9 Jeremiah/World Needs More Love 5:41
- 10 The New Cupid 5:21
- 11 Woman’s World 3:35
- 12 Crazy 4:02
- 13 Home 3:29
- 14 Falling On My Face 4:02
- 15 Turnin’ Me Up 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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