Arizona native by way of Nashville singer/songwriter Joy Oladokun follows-up her 2016 release Carry with In Defense of My Own Happiness (The Beginnings) – another excellent album that mixes elements of folk, R&B, rock, and pop-influenced by her identity as a queer black woman. According to Oladokun, “Writing this album made me realize how strong I am to have survived the things I’ve survived,” and goes on to says in a short trailer for the album, “I wrote an album about the choices I make and the things I love and who I am and why I deserve to be happy.” In Defense of My Own Happiness is a new collection of songs that includes two previously released tracks “Breathe Again” and “Sunday.” Standout tracks include: the poignant duet with Maren Morris “Bigger Man”; the touching piano-tinged “Breathe Again”; the emotional ballad “Sunday”; the lovelorn ballad “Blink Twice”; the R& B-flavored hymn “Jordan”; a song for when you’ve been wronged, “Sorry Isn’t Good Enough”; and the collaborative songs “Wish You the Best” with Jensen McRae and “Heaven From Here” with the duo Penny & Sparrow. Joy Oladokun’s LP showcases an accomplished and prolific artist who is part of the burgeoning Roots music scene of young, talented women of color alongside artists Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, Allison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens, and Sunny War. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Birds of Chicago, Rhiannon Giddens, Valerie June, Amythyst Kiah, Sunny War