LeahListens

“You got something good you ’bout to fumble/It’s like watching Babylon crumble”, Jessie Reyez declares on the opening track “CRUMBLE” of her lyrically complex fourth album. The Toronto born singer explores breakups, dysfunctional relationships, and revenge through tracks that fuse traditional R&B with a more alternative sound.

A LITTLE VENGEANCE is a fitting title, however Reyez does dive deeper than just vengeance, often exploring herself as well as her breakups. “F**K YOU JESSIE” is upbeat, pop leaning, yet Reyez discusses mental health, therapy, and self love. She notes that she should “save summa that love you got for yourself”. “SALT” is a slower, thoughtful piece, that puts into perspective the hardships that come with being an artist and interactions with people in Hollywood. Reyez is vulnerable on this song, discussing suicidal ideations and wanting to retire from music.

Throughout the album, Reyez goes from vengeful to melancholic, seemingly beginning to mourn a relationship she knows is ending soon. “WHEN YOU HOLD HER” and “UR HEARTBEAT” show a more reflexive side of the singer as she longs for a lost love. The conclusion track, “EGO ATROPHY” proves how Reyez has grown over the course of seventeen songs. She explores finding inner peace and spirituality, while losing her ego. The song brilliantly closes the album and includes a spoken word from Bob Marley.

A LITTLE VENGEANCE is arguably Reyez’s most vulnerable album, as well as her most lyrically and sonically complex. This powerful album keeps giving, leaving us to wonder: even though vengeance is sweet at first, is it really worth losing yourself?