Released 5 years ago this October
Trying Not to Think About It
JoJo · 2021
32 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B
A reflective blend of contemporary R&B and pop that navigates the complexities of anxiety and self-acceptance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Anxiety (Burlinda’s Theme) Start here — This track opens a dialogue about mental health, using vivid imagery to convey feelings of unease while maintaining a smooth melodic flow. It sets the tone for the entire album by combining personal narrative with accessible production.
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Dissolve — In 'Dissolve,' JoJo captures the feeling of overwhelming emotions through dynamic shifts in vocal delivery and instrumental arrangement, serving as a standout moment that encapsulates her struggle with inner turmoil.
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Lift — 'Lift' serves as a poignant conclusion to the album, expressing hope and resilience through uplifting lyrics and an inviting soundscape, showcasing JoJo's growth and ability to inspire listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP explores personal themes with a mix of reflective and upbeat tracks, though its cohesion is affected by interludes.
What we noticed
- The first track serves as an intro, setting a reflective tone before transitioning into the more upbeat 'Anxiety'.
- Several tracks feature interludes that create pauses in the flow, allowing for moments of introspection.
- The lyrics frequently address themes of mental health and self-acceptance, with a conversational style that invites listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- reflective moments of vulnerability
- wave-like pacing with interludes
- anxious yet hopeful narratives
- short bursts of introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases JoJo's evolution and solidifies her presence in contemporary R&B.
- Career context
- Released on October 1, 2021, 'Trying Not to Think About It' marks JoJo's return to music after a five-year hiatus following her album 'Mad Love.' This project showcases her evolution as an artist, embracing personal themes and introspective songwriting, which aligns with her journey of reclaiming her voice in the industry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ari Lennox· Tinashe· Khalid
Tracklist
- 1 World of Sunshine (Intro) 2:41
- 2 Anxiety (Burlinda’s Theme) Start here 4:05
- 3 Dissolve 3:31
- 4 Good Enough (Interlude) 2:08
- 5 B.I.D. 3:06
- 6 Feel Alright 2:55
- 7 Fresh New Sheets 4:59
- 8 Sugar & Carbs (Interlude) 0:21
- 9 Spiral SZN 2:47
- 10 Nikki’s Sound Bath (Interlude) 0:48
- 11 Worst (I Assume) 3:07
- 12 Lift 2:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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