‘Xanadu’ by AJ La Joya is the hip-hop/RnB artist’s debut 13-track mixtape, that uses soundscape and lyrics to paint a picture of ambition, love, dashed hopes and resolve with broad strokes. The songs build with rhythms and beats that are chill and at times moody, keeping pace & holding back as and when needed.
The album’s overall vibe is calm, with hints of indifference and solid conviction sprinkled in.
Check out the latest news: MBF2025 : Asia’s Biggest Blues Festival – Mahindra Blues @ Mumbai : Robert Randolph and Ruthie Foster among headliners
‘Xanadu’: Track-by-Track
‘Xanadu’: ‘Amapiano Dreamz (Freestyle)’- ‘Segsea’
We begin with ‘Amapiano Dreamz (Freestyle)’, a track that builds the tone while setting the scene. Its flow is raw with ambition, keeping pace with the build-up the continues to expand and expand. This synth-led build keeps building before ambient layers filter in, switching up the tone before we get to track two.
‘What The Hell’ keeps building on those chill rhythms while focusing in on our rapper expoliates on ambition. Our narrator sizes up a challenge, while in true hip-hop fashion keeps the focus on themselves while sprinkling shade on those opponents. This posturing highlights our rapper’s goals and ambitions, outlining them clearly.
“…What the hell you want from me?…
…See that’s enough for me…
…So just get put of my head…
…You can’t measure up to me…”.
‘Gaslight’ takes on dealing with heartache while standing up for one’s self. The narrator chooses themself in the face of mistreatment, while the instrumentation favours a chill, groovy percussion. “…I’m moving on and on from you…” “…You don’t treat me like that I’m gone…”.
‘They Gon’ Move’ ramps up on the ambition on a club-banger with this hint of rebellion. Its deeper beats favour that more hip-hop sounding rhythm while the lyrics promise that listener’s “…gon’ move…”.
“…I want to do what I want to do,…
…They gon’ eat this sh*t up, they gon’ move…”.
‘Seggsea’ sounds like a chill self-empowered album with this interesting vibe. Its smooth flow is self-assured, while also serving as a self-love and self-acceptance type anthem. It also isn’t above throwing a little bit of light-hearted shade.
“…Don’t need hot designer brands to seem (stable)…”.
“…Barbie ‘cuz you ain’t no Ken to me…”.
You May Also Like : ‘Let Me Stay For A While’ by Emma Nilsdotter is an Alternative Folk Album that Captures Heartache & Healing in the Wake of a Whirlwind Romance (out 22nd February)
‘Xanadu’: ‘Rose Coloured Glare’- ‘Lost In Reverie’
‘Rose Coloured Glare’ is a love song with its eyes wide open. Its verses sound like a list of things that one notices about someone they first become infatuated with them. This is before the flaws kick in, tainting those all consuming thoughts.
“…There’s too many yous blinding me with (a) rose coloured glare…”.
The refrain even highlights that rose-coloured view, “….You are sunshine, I am sunshine…”. And on the spiral we go.
‘Prove You Wrong’ is a contemplative rhythm that seems to hold out hope for love. The track before it sees the flaws in this love and this track seems to contemplate whether the liaison should end.
“….You know it just takes time to get some peace of mind….”.
‘Really Fair’ addresses a lover shutting out our narrator, layering the contemplative tone with this sense of betrayal. “….I need more attention to whatt I’ve beem noticing….”.
“…Where (do) you throw me, where do I stand with you?…
…Why you ignoring me, that ain’t really fair…”.
‘Lately’ feels like a culmination, layered in with deep percussion that finally grounds all those questions that are swirling around. Our narrator begins to wonder what life would be outside of this relationship, “…what if I stayed grounded and found somebidy like me?…”.
“…Someone to share my deepest heart with…”.
The song is a slow and moody spiral.
‘Lost In Reverie’ feels final, with every element of its soundscape feeling isolated from one another. The truth is in our face, this lover never cared. And now our narrator must face this and carry on, much like the beat that carries us through the song.
“…Put yourself first then you beg me to stay,…
…I’ve heard this all before…
…Why do you make me want to fight for you?…’.
You May Also Like : Album Review: Beyoncé goes full country her own way with Grammy winning”COWBOY CARTER”
‘Xanadu’: ‘Depressed’- ‘F.Y.N (I’m Out)’
The last three songs on the mixtape feel like they’re reeling from every element introduced thus far. Ambition, love and everything in between feel like they’ve let our narrator down somewhat, which is the mood that leads us through these songs.
‘Depressed’ is a calm, synth-led track that takes a deep dive into our narrator’s mental state. We stay in this calm lull, while questions keep us rooted to this deep, almost dark mood.
“….I’m so depressed, can I get by all the stress?…
…Why is my anxiety giving me the fifth degree?…’.
‘Assume’ is a track with attitude and a sense of humour. This is demonstrated in two lines that layer over the chill soundscape and give it its immersive quality.
“…Don’t assume I’ll do every little thing you say to me…”.
“…I drank the water, now I’m feeling pissy…”.
It serves as the perfect midpoint between ‘Depressed’ and ‘F.Y.N (I’m Out)’. This last track finds our narrator at an impasse. They’re finally done, with two-faced ambition and love. It’s seeped in this frustration that feels liberating.
It feels resolved, and seems to exist in this space of calm.
“…I didn’t like my situation so I did something about it…”.
Conclusion
‘Xanadu’ by AJ La Joya is an album that introduces us to the artist’s unique voice and convinctions. This while keeping the listener engaged and immersed in the story being told.
It makes for a solid listen (on a Saturday night).
The Artist
AJ La Joya is an artist with roots from Inglewood to Sactown who makes hip-hop and alt-RnB music. He makes music that speaks to him, “…whether it’s about life’s highs, self-doubt or just something fun.”
Follow AJ La Joya X & Instagram!
Listen to ‘Xanadu’ by AJ La Joya here:
You May Also Like : ‘Play on Venus (Live) Album’ by Lí-Lí Octave captures the RnB/NeoSoul Singer’s Energetic Warmth Live
Big News – Sinusoidal Music featured on FeedSpot’s Top 90 Best Indie Pop Blogs and Websites
Check out our Spotify Playlists.
Check out our YouTube channel for music reviews, playlists, podcasts, and more!
Promotional Disclaimer: The content in this post has been sponsored by the artist, label, or PR representative to help promote their work.
