★★★☆☆
Having previously aligned himself with the likes of Jill Scott, Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul, the latest album from R&B singer-songwriter BJ The Chicago Kid is underwhelming.
Out of the 15 tracks on his second full-length, only a handful hit the mark of mature and sophisticated soul-infused music, none more so than lead single ‘Church’. Featuring Chance The Rapper and Buddy, the jilted beats and smooth guitar licks make it a truly sensual R&B classic, as the dilemma of succumbing to seduction or religious obligation is summed up in one simple hook. ‘The New Cupid’ is another standout, featuring a sweet verse from Lamar on top of a glacial beat with a charming façade. ‘Love Inside’, ‘Crazy’ and ‘Man Down’ all prove catchy and stellar in execution.
But the rest of the album mostly comes off as cheesy and manufactured. ‘The Resume’ is a truly cringeworthy track with lyrics like, “Here’s my resume, can you hire me? / I wanna work your body like it’s a nine-to-five,” while ‘Woman’s World’ is just a rearrangement of a cliché.
A bit more effort might have propelled BJ The Chicago Kid to something of Miguel or The Weeknd’s stature: popular, yet respected for their individuality.
BJ The Chicago Kid’sIn My Mind is available now throughMotown.
