On her third studio album, titled Vacancy, Ari Lennox solidifies her position as one of contemporary R&B's foremost sophisticates, yet she injects a delightful dose of wild humour and playful energy into her signature sound. This release, under the Interscope label, represents a notable shift towards a looser and more enjoyable musical experience, balancing her deep-rooted love for jazz, soul, and 90s hip-hop influences with moments of unexpected levity.
Tradition Meets Unruly Fun
Lennox has long been celebrated for her preference for lush, traditional R&B sounds, setting her apart from genre-blending peers like SZA and Kehlani. However, Vacancy boldly demonstrates that sophistication and spontaneity can coexist harmoniously. Early in the album, tracks such as Under the Moon showcase this fusion brilliantly, where Lennox describes a lover with vivid, almost cinematic imagery—comparing them to a werewolf—and punctuates the song with theatrical howls that evoke classic creature features, adding a sparky, humorous twist to her otherwise smooth delivery.
A Lighter, More Airy Sound
Compared to her 2022 album Age/Sex/Location, which was widely praised for its ingratiating charm, Vacancy takes a different approach by embracing an airy and open sonic landscape. This shift is evident in songs like Cool Down, a reggae and R&B hybrid that feels incredibly light and summery, as if crafted from aerogel. The track pairs its breezy instrumentation with clever lyrics that playfully urge a partner to relax, highlighting Lennox's witty songwriting skills.
Another standout, Mobbin in DC, blends lounge-singer coolness with sharp, withering come-ons, such as the line "You know where I be / This ain't calculus / No ChatGPT," which adds a modern, tech-savvy edge to her classic style. Meanwhile, Horoscope struts with confidence, featuring a catchy hook—"That boy put the ho' in 'horoscope'"—that positions it as a potential viral hit, showcasing Lennox's ability to craft memorable, shareable moments.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Despite facing well-documented struggles in the music industry, including harassment from radio DJs and public disputes with past labels, Lennox's performance on Vacancy exudes a sense of ease and resilience. The album's cohesive and joyful execution suggests that she has navigated these obstacles with grace, pointing towards a promising and enduring career ahead. Her ability to channel personal experiences into art without losing her playful spirit is a testament to her artistic maturity and versatility.
In summary, Vacancy is not just another R&B album; it's a vibrant exploration of tradition infused with humour and lightness. Ari Lennox has crafted a project that is both sophisticated and immensely fun, offering listeners a refreshing escape into her world of jazz-soaked melodies and witty narratives. This release cements her status as a unique voice in modern music, capable of balancing depth with delightful unpredictability.
