Hailing from Houston, USA, Jeilani is an R&B artist who has just come to my attention for the first time through his heart-breaking new album, Absence of Affection.

By Graeme Smith

Jeilani lays the emotion on thick right from the off with his new album. The lush and stirring Mistakes invites us into its world with confessional lyrics and soulful instrumental layers. It’s the vocals that are the stand out. Richly expressive, they emote the lyrics powerfully.

For the album, he’s teamed up with his long-time producer and friend Tito and together they’ve created R&B magic across its ten tracks. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Usher and Summer Walker, it’s a varied and highly polished collection. Look What You’ve Done is pacy and biting while Out My Life (My Way) gives us some bass-y sultriness.

Time Won’t Let Me Win is smouldering and reflective. New Obsession gives us plenty of texture and passion. BS Demon injects some swaggering hip-hop while Rebound proves to be a dark and defiant highlight. How Do You Sleep? is soulful and soaring. Over…? is downbeat and devastating. Outro (Looking for My Angel) closes the album with some striking electro-acoustic ambience. It’s a final highlight.

Jeilani has a sound that’s both familiar yet distinct, and there’s plenty of real emotion in his new album. It’s a must-listen for fans of contemporary R&B.

Absence of Affection is out now and you can give it a listen below.