Smoove Jones

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Smoove Jones
Studio album by
Mya
ReleasedFebruary 14, 2016
Recorded2013–2015
Genre
Length45:36
LabelPlanet 9
Producer
  • Yonni
  • The Hit List
  • Delivery Boy
  • Terrell Sass
  • T-Town Productions
  • Desmond "BigHeadDez" Peterson
  • Philip "HardWork" Constable
  • Lamar "Mars" Edwards
Mya chronology
With Love
(2014) 		Smoove Jones
(2016) 		T.K.O. (The Knock Out)
(2018)
Singles from Smoove Jones
  1. "Welcome to My World"
    Released: October 10, 2015
  2. "Team You"
    Released: December 8, 2015

Smoove Jones is the seventh

Best R&B Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, which were held on February 12, 2017.[3]

Background and development

I stay in the studio, literally, sometimes I'm there for days straight just creating. That's something I try to do as a songwriter and producer. This project is material that's been collected over the last three years of recording.

Mya on the creation of Smoove Jones with SOHH.[4]

Almost nearly five years passed between Harrison's last

Love Elevation Suite (2015) and Sweet XVI (2014) along with bonus tracks manufactured as a CD.[6] However, nothing ever materialized and Harrison scrapped that idea in favor of a new project. Initially, when Harrison started recording material she didn't have a title.[4] She was just in a place of wanting to write from her soul.[4] In an interview with Billboard on the project's creation, Harrison clarified, "I didn't necessarily say, "OK, it's time to create a project called Smoove Jones."[7] During the interview, Harrison went further into details and remarked,"I stay in the studio on the regular. I literally live in the studio."[7] Acknowledging, for her, these days are about playing around in the studio and experimenting which is kind of how the project happened.[4] Smoove Jones came to her as a concept and while she been giving grown and sexy EPs for the last four EPs, she admits the title was birthed through a picture from a photo shoot she did in 2015 and the vibe of it.[4] The project's overall theme was inspired by the 1970s. Speaking with SOHH
on its origin, Harrison explained:

I love the '70s, I love

OGs to me and you see their influence in R. Kelly. Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, there was a lot happening socially but as far as love, that was a time of real love to me and because my fans had requested real R&B, real songs, and positivity because when they turn on the radio they're not getting that these days, here you go. I'm only giving what my fans have requested of me and that's kind of how Smoove Jones was birthed and delivered from me.[4]

Approaching, Smoove Jones, Harrison incorporated R&B/soul/hip-hop with old school elements from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s[2] because she knew how she wanted it to feel. She wanted it to feel grown and sexy for her fans that have grown up with her for the last 18 years [who] have kids, gotten married and all that.[7] Chatting with KMW exclusive, Harrison said for this album most of the music was already created.[8] Harrison said she chose tracks based on the "R&B/Soul" genre feeling accordingly, because that's what her fans had requested from her.[8] Essentially, Harrison just pulled a collection of songs out of her archive that she thought would vibe well together since everything was recorded within one to three years ago.[7] To avoid early leakage of the project or any of her music, Harrison drafted and services a pre- and post-recording agreement to hold the producers, writers, artists, and engineers liable for leakage, sharing, placement, and playing of her music.[9]

Title and artwork

Speaking on its title with KMW exclusive, Mya said, "I chose Smoove Jones as the title because it best described the laid back, smooth essence and approach to this project." Her friend and fellow artist Cliff Lewis also gave her the nickname "Smoove Jones" in the studio.

The Frisky, Harrison elaborated more on the title and commented, "I was given the nickname "Smoove Jones" based on my laid back, ol' school vibe and smooth personality." Going further into detail Harrison stated, "since I been giving a lot of grown and sexy music lately, with a '70s vibes, I thought it'd be the perfect name for a project." Harrison depicts Smoove Jones, as a female version of Billy Dee Williams meets Supafly meets Pam Grier.[10]

The album's artwork is from a collection of images of the times Harrison and her photographers got together and "played". Mya explained, "I play a lot and I have friends who are photographers in different states and if I see a fly object after a show, "I say, "Hey, I'll sit in this chair. Take a picture!" In exchange, those images sometimes become artwork for

EPs, etc.[11]

Composition

Music and songs

Smoove Jones is a departure from Harrison's last studio project K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple), which leaned more toward the

vinyl records and dancing in her mom's high heels.[10] On "One Man Woman", Harrison traveled back in time and reminisced being in her bedroom in high school listening to Mint Condition on her hot pink boom box.[10] On the outro, she went to her fans and all of their messages regarding their favorite slow jams and mashed them up together as a grown and sexy gumbo.[10]

Release and promotion

Main article: Smoove Jones Show Tour

The release date for a new project was first reported in January 2015.

Dallas,Texas. At the event, Harrison performed new music from Smoove Jones as well as her classic hits. Additionally, fans were given the opportunity to meet Mya and purchase Smoove Jones and/or the 17 month zodiac calendar. Tickets were sold through Eventbrite.[16]

A year later, as a gift to her fans and to commemorate her nineteenth anniversary, Harrison released a music video for the fan favorite "Coolin'". Filmed in

Sydney, Australia, director Matt Sharp captures the singer's unmistakable beauty while she lets her vocals do the rest on a sandy beach.[17]

Singles

On October 10, 2015, Harrison released the first single from the project, titled "Welcome To My World" on all digital formats.[18] The second single, "Team You" was released December 8, 2015.[19][20]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Exclaim![21]
Gay Times[22]
HipHopDX3.7/5[23]

Smoove Jones received generally favorable reviews from music critics.

The Ithacan gave the album 3 out of 5 stars and concluded, "Smoove Jones" is an expression of the singer's passion for music through her lyrics. It is evident that this project was a labor of love for Mya as it was independently made and self-funded, which demonstrates her profound effort and commitment to this craft.[24]

United Kingdom magazine

Grammy nod."[25]

Accolade

Year Ceremony Award Result Ref.
2017 59th Annual Grammy Awards
Best R&B Album
 Nominated [3]

Commercial performance

Smoove Jones debuted at number 30 on

R&B Albums and number 17 on the Independent Albums chart on March 5, 2016.[28]

Track listing

Smoove Jones track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Smoove Jones Radio (Intro)"
  • Mya Harrison
0:59
2."Welcome to My World"
  • Harrison
  • Damar Beckett
  • Fred "DJ" Jenkins
  • Terence Odige
  • Terence "Delivery Boy" Odige
  • Michael Williams
  • DeJon Howerton
4:10
3."Hold On" (featuring Phil Adé)
Philip "HardWork" Constable3:22
4."Elevator" (featuring Smoove Jones)
  • Harrison
  • Shaunice "Sha Sha" Jones
  • Cliff Lewis
  • Yonni
  • Desmond "BigHeadDez" Peterson
2:57
5."Phya"
  • Harrison
  • James "J-Doe" Smith
  • Yonni
  • BigHeadDez
3:18
6."Spoil Me"
  • Harrison
  • Lewis
  • Jones
Yonni2:13
7."Team You"
  • Harrison
  • Jenkins
  • Damar Aaron Beckett
Delivery Boy4:12
8."Coolin'"
  • Dennis-Manuel Peters
  • Daniel Coriglie
  • Mario Bakovic
4:01
9."One Man Woman (Ol' Skoo' Joint)"
  • Harrison
  • Lewis
  • Lisa Dogonyaro
  • Terrell Sass
  • Yonni
  • Chaz Jackson
  • Orlando Williamson
4:45
10."Circle of Life (Ol' Skoo' Joint)"
  • Harrison
  • Jenkins
  • Beckett
Delivery Boy4:12
11."Smoove Jones Afta Glow Show (Outro)"
Mars6:42
Bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
12."One Man Woman (Unplugged)"
  • Harrison
  • Lewis
  • Dogonyaro
  • Sass
  • Yonni
  • Williamson
4:45

Personnel

Charts

Chart performance for Smoove Jones
Chart (2016) Peak
position
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[29] 17
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[30] 30

Release history

List of release dates, showing region, formats, label, editions and reference
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various February 14, 2016
[14][31]

References

  1. ^ "Resurgence of R&B: A Conversation Between Two Music Lovers". Essence. Retrieved 2016-12-31.
  2. ^ a b c "Mya Is Fearless". Heroic. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  3. ^ a b "Here Is the Complete List of Nominees for the 2017 Grammys". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-12-22.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Mya Gets Grown & Sexy, Breaks Down Her New "Smoove Jones" EP: "I Stay In The Studio, Literally"". SOHH. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  5. ^ "Interview: Mya Talks New Album "K.I.S.S.", Releasing Albums in Japan First, Importance of Her Music". youknowigotsoul. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  6. ^ "Likeable, Long Legs and Love Give Mya Longevity". Chicago Crusader. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  7. ^ a b c d "Mya Talks New EP 'Smoove Jones,' Love & Feminism". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  8. ^ a b c "Mya Talks About Her 18th Year Anniversary In The Business, 12th Studio Project "Smoove Jones," Her Legacy & MUCH MORE During Our Exclusive Chat!". KMW Exclusive. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  9. ^ "Mya's Advice on How Not to Get Your Album Leaked". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  10. ^
    The Frisky
    . Retrieved 2016-02-27.
  11. ^ "Mya Says It's Not Too Late To See Her Everyday:"I'm Always Creating"". SOHH. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  12. ^ a b c "Remember Me? Mya Preps For Comeback With Plans For New Project". Juicy. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  13. ^ "Mya Instagram". Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2016-01-04 – via Instagram.
  14. ^ a b c "Mya Official Store". myamya.com. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  15. AXS
    . Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  16. ^ "Sultry Grammy winner picks Dallas for exclusive album release party". CultureMap. Retrieved 2016-02-08.
  17. ^ "Premiere: Watch Mya's Romantic Beach Excursion, "Coolin"". Vibe. Retrieved 2017-02-14.
  18. ^ "Mya - Welcome To My World". singersroom. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  19. ^ "Mya Gives Thanks To Fans With "Team You"". Vibe. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  20. The Source
    . Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  21. ^ a b "Smoove Jones Review". Exclaim!. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  22. ^ a b "Review: Mýa's new album Smoove Jones". Gay Times. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
  23. ^ a b "Mya - Smoove Jones". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  24. The Ithacan
    . Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  25. ^ Thompson, Desire (2016-12-07). "Wake Up & Jam: The 13 Slept On Albums Of 2016". Vibe. Retrieved 2016-12-30.
  26. ^ a b "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Week of March 5, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  27. ^ "Rewinding the Charts: In 2001, 'Lady Marmalade' Got a Makeover". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-12-30.
  28. ^ "Independent Album Week of March 5, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  29. ^ "Mya Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  30. ^ "Mya Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  31. ^ "Smoove Jones". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-01-23.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smoove_Jones&oldid=1208584467"