Single Review: Jalen N'Gonda - ‘I Guess That Makes Me A Loser'

Kicking in with a march style drum, a syncopated tune and a fresh new voice, Jalen N’Gonda is beginning to make his mark in the world of contemporary soul. ‘I Guess That Makes Me A Loser’ is a smooth, new, upbeat track to add to your easy listening playlists.

Despite the self-deprecatory title and lyrics based on the story of the mini-series ‘Leaving’ (a badly ending, cougar and young type love story), the song is peppy and light. A buoyant melody that is broken by a slower tempo middle eight, making way for some very welcome falsetto. All of this, matched with his effortlessly rich tones, creates a unique style that is reminiscent of the classical soul style, blended with some more contemporary influences. N’Gonda says it “was inspired by the Dap-Tone sound and the song ‘The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game’, by The Marvellettes”; a sound that’s roots came from digging around in his fathers collection of soul, jazz, hip-hop and Motown.

Since moving from the U.S. to the U.K. to study music, N’Gonda has breezed onto the music scene with his rise in recognition, a forthcoming new EP and invitations to open for the likes of Laura Mvula and Lauryn Hill. Jalen N’Gonda can be found on a number of dates in the summer (including Live at Leeds and Wilderness Festival) which is sure to increase very soon.

Words by Jesse Wells