On a sweltering July afternoon, Jorja Smith finds herself in an unexpected environment: a wake held at a pub in a quiet, leafy corner of south-west London. The 29-year-old artist, dressed casually in a tank top with her hair pulled back, is waiting for a drink that has been delayed for some time. Despite the frustration, she remains hesitant to complain, reflecting a personality that is both grounded and effortlessly humorous. When her non-alcoholic sparkling wine finally arrives, she shares a laugh about the absurdity of discussing a high-energy dance record in such a somber setting.
That record, titledWhat Are the Oddsmarks her third studio album and arrived this week as a deliberate departure from her usual sound. While Smith has long been celebrated for the introspective, soulful R&B that defined her 2016 breakout hitBlue Lightsthis project is designed for the dancefloor. Produced alongside Richard Isong—known as P2J, who has worked with artists like Beyoncé, Burna Boy, and Tems—the album serves as a vibrant collage of Black British dance music, incorporating elements of UK garage and funky house. Featuring contributions from Wizkid and Devlin, the project is a testament to her love for dancing and her desire to hear her own music in club environments.
The creative process for this album was markedly different from her previous work. After collaborating with P2J on the club-oriented singleLittle Thingsin 2023, the pair initially intended to produce a short dance EP. However, the momentum was undeniable; they completed nine songs within the first two days of recording. Recognizing the scale of the project, Smith took the material to her label, insisting that it had evolved into a full-length album. Despite the upbeat tempo, the record maintains her signature emotional depth, with tracks likeFor Lifeaddressing the loss of a friend to addiction andYoung Heartserving as a reflection on her younger self.
Addressing recent headlines that frame this release as a “comeback,” Smith is quick to dismiss the narrative. She notes that she has never truly left, but rather has been managing the pressures of a career that began when she was just a teenager. Since her debut, she has navigated the complexities of fame with a degree of privacy that often conflicts with the demands of the modern music industry. She admits that while she is grateful for her fanbase, the nature of celebrity was never an ambition, and she has struggled with the intense scrutiny that accompanies her public profile.
This scrutiny has often manifested in uncomfortable ways, particularly regarding her appearance. Smith recalls how, during the lead-up to her 2023 albumFalling Or Flyingshe became the subject of online commentary regarding her weight. The discourse reached a point where “Jorja Smith weight gain” trended on X, an experience she describes as deeply damaging to her confidence. At the time, she felt physically healthier than ever, having finally established a consistent routine of eating properly after years of skipping meals and obsessive running. The disconnect between the online narrative and her personal reality was, she says, profoundly disorienting.
The impact of this public criticism led her to withdraw from certain aspects of public life, including avoiding photoshoots and even hesitating to go outside. She describes a period of retreating into herself, feeling that the public could not grasp her actual experiences. Even now, she occasionally finds herself questioning the validity of these anonymous comments, though she recognizes the absurdity of letting random internet users dictate her self-worth. She credits conversations with her mother for helping her maintain perspective, noting that she has since stepped back from managing her own social media accounts to protect her peace.
Looking ahead, Smith is focused on finding a sustainable balance in her life. She has set a new personal goal by signing up for the London Marathon next year, inspired by watching others complete the race. She emphasizes that she wants to ensure she has stories of fun and adventure as she grows older, rather than constantly turning down opportunities out of fear or caution. As she prepares for her upcoming performance at the Walsall Arena on September 6, she remains hopeful that her journey will inspire the next generation, proving that significant success can originate from her hometown of Walsall. The report also notes that in the leafiest part of leafy south-west London, is usually a safe bet for an inconspicuous table, i’m told that the pub where we have met. The report also notes that but today, sweaty black suits carrying pints drift between tables, and long queues snake round the bar. The report also notes that “But I feel bad saying anything because, you know …”. The report also notes that the sombre mood doesn’t last long – in large part because Smith is effortlessly funny. The report also notes that she takes one sip, pauses for the waitress to disappear, then winces theatrically, when her alcohol-free sparkling wine finally arrives. The report also notes that “That’s not good.” Every time we dissolve into laughter, I glance around guiltily, like we’re schoolgirls trying not to get caught talking at the back of assembly. The report also notes that it’s hard to imagine a less appropriate setting in which to discuss an album made for sunburnt block parties and 2am raves. The report also notes that the 29-year-old’s third album, released this week, is a certified, old-fashioned ass-shaker, what Are the Odds.
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