REVIEW: Jaela releases 'In The Mood' EP

Trap R&B newcomer Jaela lays down a nice range of sound in her debut EP. 'In the Mood' shows Jaela is ready to share her talents with the world and sets the tone as an artist with a sweet vibe that will lyrically have you on your toes.

Her alluring blend of trap and R&B make for a sensual collection of love records that crucially maintain Jaela’s empowerment at its core. This is a genre-bending, versatile project with a song for every mood. Jaela charismatically intertwines rapping and singing as she looks to carve her own pathway in a competitive UK market.

Some spotlight was cast upon Jaela last year after dropping visuals to her single "Agua", achieving over 60,000 views on YouTube. She has already gained major co-signs and radio support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1XTRA, Reprezent, No Signal 10 vs 10 (in the height of the lockdown) and a feature with Pause Magazine, exploring her journey as an independent artist without management.

Jaela’s unique style is best represented on the first track, "Check". This is a braggadocios introduction that is backed up with a wavy flow and a good vocal range. Jaela oozes class on this record, from the infectious adlibs to the boss-aura she exudes. "Check" treads the line effectively between the responsibilities as a bread-winner and a charming songstress. This is one of the EP’s stand-outs that is expected to stream well this year.

The Londoner throws in "Dynamite" next for shock factor. In this, she utilises a brand of TikTok enhanced, sexualised music that has blown up over the past 12-months. This bass-heavy freestyle plays close to the likes of Cardi-B, Stefflon-Don and Ms Banks. It is a one-minute flex piece where Jaela asserts herself as a powerful sexual character with multiple options and cards to play. She clearly enjoys the control securing the bag inevitably offers her over her partners.

"Inside Out" is a trap ballad that slows the pace right down and with it gives you a peak into Jaela’s psyche. She reflects on a past relationship that ultimately didn’t work out because the emotional intimacy wasn’t on the same level as the physical. A message that many can relate to, showing her fans a more vulnerable side to her character.

The following track "Kitty" was premiered with visuals on Jaela's YouTube channel earlier this month. As another stand out, it carries a bouncy, infectious instrumental and quotable lines galore. Jaela feels empowered to present her most confident self to everyone listening. The message is clear: love yourself, know your worth and enjoy life with the real ones around you.

"Lick Talk" teases us with the summer vibes we’re all craving in the UK right now. Steel drum production sets the scene for the portrayal of a dream-like scenario, getting intoxicated and living your best life with that someone special. This has all the components of an R&B love anthem with a contemporary twist that elevates it sonically. This record goes hand in hand with sunshine and the people you love. Hopefully, summer will provide the perfect motives for this song to soundtrack.

Closing off with "Ten", another trap-soul banger which is unapologetic in its nature. She knows herself and the journey that is intertwined with her come-up. Her message here is that ultimately there’s not one lane or box you can put her in. She’s seductive as a lover, she’s struggled as a hustler coming up and she’s now successful as a businesswoman. It’s fine to be more than one of these identities and switch between them at any given time, this much is reflected in the multi-genre approach Jaela champions.

With "Check", "Lick Talk" and "Kitty" standing out in this EP as high points, there's confidence that they will make a tangible mark on the UK scene this year. Jaela’s best quality is perhaps understanding her identity so well and showing versatility to compliment it. There are many potential influences on her, from the UK and across the pond, but no direct comparisons. Jaela is in a league of her own. 'In the Mood' serves as a brilliant teaser for what’s to come from the Londoner, as she enters into the rapidly evolving R&B scene in the UK.

Catch the full EP below, and keep up with Jaela’s Twitter and Instagram here.

We’re really excited to hear what everyone else thinks about ‘In the Mood’, so let us know what you think about the project!