Progressive R&B singer Jordan Ward has revealed his sophomore album, BACKWARD, will release Jan. 30, 2026, via ARTium Recordings/Interscope Records.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Ward shared that his new album is lyrically inspired by songwriting greats like Donny Hathaway, Joni Mitchell and Roberta Flack, among others.
“They wrote really good, simple songs,” Ward told Rolling Stone’s Mankaprr Conteh. “Coming up off the last project, I felt I had a lot of room to grow with the songwriting, as far as structuring [it,] having more clear takeaways for the songs, just also expressing things that I haven’t yet and wanted to, or even expounding on things I’ve talked about before, just to keep the story evolving.”
BACKWARD will include the lead single, “Juicy,” and the Sailorr-featured “Smokin Potna,” which dropped Wednesday (Oct. 15). “Smokin Potna” hits like a premium hybrid strain. The lush production is laced with a velvety bassline balanced by airy hi-hats, along with blunted kicks that thud gently beneath the haze.
Ward’s gauzy vocals float over the earthy backdrop as he sings about the intimacy of a smoke session with a special person. It’s not just about smoking — it’s about the vulnerability that comes with letting your guard down, allowing your mind to wander to heights beyond this world. Even non-smokers can relate, since at its core, “Smokin Potna” celebrates those quiet, shared moments with someone you connect with on a higher frequency.
“I don’t pass my blunt to no one else / But you baby, you can help yourself / She only smokes with me, she only smokes with me,” Ward sings, with his signature pitched-up vocals.
Sailorr appears in the second verse, singing, “‘Cause it’s been three moons since we smoked / I can’t say too much I get choked up / Spillin’ truth in the ash trays / I make room for you always.”
BACKWARDis available for presave and preorder. Besides its digital release, the album will also be available on translucent cobalt blue vinyl.
BACKWARDis the follow-up to Ward’s debut album,FORWARD, released in 2023. The latter project includedtracks such as “FAMJAM400,” “White Crocks” with Ryan Trey and “IDC” with Joony.
Stream Jordan Ward’s new song “Smokin Potna” featuring Sailorr below.
Presave/preorder Jordan Ward’s new album BACKWARDhere.