Future R&B star JayDon has released his debut EP,Me My Songs & I, via Zoo/mega/gamma.
The project was executive-produced by R&B icon Usher and music mogul L.A. Reid, who co-own mega.
On Me My Songs & I, the 18-year-old heartthrob’s resonant vocals soar across 10 pleasant songs that capture the bliss and blur of young love. The Paradise-assisted “Lullaby” exudes pure passion, while “Cavier” is a plea for forgiveness and “I’ll Be Good” offers earnest reassurance.
“Separated” is reminiscent of the bittersweet ache of Chris Brown‘s “Say Goodbye,” where one has to muster up the courage to end a sinking relationship. “I know you wanna end it, but you won’t / I’m just about to say it,” JayDon croons with sincerity.
Middle tracks like “Jealous of the Moon” and “Don’t Hate Me Now” hear JayDon making sense of the love lost. On “Brand New,” he asks his ex if what they had was genuine: “Now baby, tell me when we were together / Did it feel like love brand new?”
The penultimate “Boujee Baby” and final track “The Way You Move,” both produced by Blaq Tuxedo, offer a vibrant change of pace with their dance-inducing production styles. The former incorporates a knocking drill beat, while the latter bounces to a hyphy-inspired beat.
Me My Songs & I is JayDon sowing the seeds for him to fully bloom into an R&B mainstay. By keeping features to one, he allows listeners to get to know him, not just his connections. The EP is a cohesive body of work that doesn’t try to fast-track the process of maturity. It’s age-appropriate for younger audiences, while still exploring universal themes — love, heartbreak and renewal — that resonate with older listeners.
Me My Songs & Iincludes writing credits by Felisha King-Harvey (formerly of Cherish), Whitney Phillips and Mikey Jimenez, with production by Andre Harris, HARV, SWEATA, Triangle Park and the previously mentioned Blaq Tuxedo.
Stream JayDon’s debut EPMe My Songs & Ibelow.