Live Review: Jorja Smith - Albert Hall, Manchester 09/11/2023
Jorja Smith's enchanting performance at Manchester's Albert Hall showcased a masterful display of the musical artistry that Jorja Smith has been creating over the last six years. Opening the evening with the captivating notes of ‘Try Me’ from her recent album ‘Falling or Flying’, released in September. Smith immediately established the tone for the night utilising her most significant tunes to kick start the evening.
Cruising through her successful discography, Smith drew from the rich melodies of her debut album, 'Lost & Found,' released in 2018. The inclusion of fan favourites like 'The One' proved to be a brilliant option, captivating the audience from the outset and creating a charged atmosphere.
As the evening unfolded, high emotions became evident when midway through the set Smith performed a heartfelt rendition of 'Broken is the Man,' a track from her latest album. The audience's collective response underscored the song's resonance, it definitely was an obvious poignant crowd favourite. The journey continued with a delightful throwback to 2021's 'Be Right Back' EP, as Smith unleashed the ever so catchy, yet upsetting 'Addicted,' ensuring the crowd remained thoroughly engaged and vibrant.
Unfortunately a brief dip of energy occurred around the 40-minute mark, from both the audience and Smith herself it seemed. It wasn’t great to witness, especially due to how well the night was panning out prior to this. Although, a revitalised plan was definitely thought ahead when the perfectly crafted quartet of songs were performed to end the evening.
As the lights shifted to a blue hue, the initial chords of ‘Blue Lights,’’ her debut single released in 2016, resonated through the 1800 capacity packed out venue, reigniting both the crowd and Smith with a surge of liveliness.
With a seamless transition into 'Little Things,' a dance-infused anthem with various remixes released this summer, prompted a spirited declaration from Smith herself – "let's have a dance Manchester!" The audience responded with enthusiasm, affirming her impact on both longstanding and newfound fans alike.
The climactic conclusion was unfolding with 'Be Honest,' a track that had everyone on their feet. Smith recognised how the of the audience were more familiar with the words than she was, with a few laughed off lyric slip ups here and there.
The significance of the venue, where Smith had previously graced the stage in 2018, was not lost on her or the audience. It added an extra layer of sentimentality to the night, yet again proving how amazing the evolution of Smith's career has been so far and the enduring connection she maintains with her dedicated fans.
The evening concluded flawlessly with the timeless 'On My Mind,' released in 2017, transitioning seamlessly from an acoustic rendition to a dance remix. This final tune encapsulated the night perfectly.
The set list beautifully exposed Jorja Smith's artistry – with a perfect blend of introspection, nostalgia, and infectious energy, leaving the audience with a warm feeling that lingered long after the final note had faded, as the audience made there way out, people were not shy on complimenting the evening.
Words by Lucy Holden
