Setting the tone with immersive and refined piano and guitar, LJ Smooth opens All In with astral add libs, intrigue and instrumental mastery. Needless to say, we are in awe.
The opus expands with emotive lyrics, as the star from Miami sings evocatively, “Tell me it’s true, I know that it’s true, wish you could see it through my point of view…”, delivering a luscious vocal timbre, nuanced inflections and charisma.
We appreciate the poetic prowess that LJ Smooth, and the design of his vocals, which demonstrate range and versatility, sounding exquisite and “smooth” with and without the pitched detailing. The message of the song is relatable and feels highly authentic, as we can tell that LJ Smooth is truly writing from the perspective of being in love.
We learn that LJ Smooth grew up in a musical family in the Virgin Islands. He started in piano classes and played drums in church, whilst his father would play Bob Marley and Peter Tosh records at home.
LJ cites Michael Jackson, Maxwell, Prince, Trey Songz, Neo and Alicia Keys as well as Vybez Cartel, Beenie Man, WizKid, and Burna Boy as some of his influences, which we can feel come through in the record, although there is no doubt that LJ Smooth is creating a universe unto his own.
The star leaves us with the motto, “Work Hard, Play Hard. Life is meant to be lived, not survived”, whilst add All In to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and continue to stream his wider discography including The Feeling, and No Games!