Jordan Smith exceeds expectations leading up to his debut LP for Republic Records.
Despite my love for Pharrell Williams and Christina Aguilera, I never watched an episode of The Voice, nor do I really plan to. I do hear of some interesting stories from online. But in 2016, I’m positive that singing competitions are becoming outdated. So imagine my indifference when asked to attend a prerelease concert by last season’s winner, Jordan Smith.
After hearing him sing on stage, my very first thought was actually considering watching The Voice.
Going in blind about Jordan Smith possibly served me best because I had no idea about the extent of his style, ability, and personality except for the bare minimum Google research. Hearing him sing in such an intimate gathering was an absolute privilege. Influenced by Gospel and Musical Theater, Smith has natural talent combined with an innocent voice. For someone of his talent, he was very humbled and honored to be singing for an audience no matter how small. At the same time, the small audience possibly influenced him to be lighthearted and comical.
Ultimately, his singing was what everyone came for. Suffice to say, his song choices played to his strengths to the point where I could barely find any weaknesses. His covers of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Ain’t Got Far to Go” not only made everyone’s jaws drop, but they are different enough from the source material to appeal to Smith’s style. Meanwhile “Stand in the Light” is inoffensive yet shows hints of what he can do with new material. After shaking his hand and praising him for a fantastic showcase, seeing his warm grin made me want to root for him as he grows as an artist. While I’m not the biggest fan of the Contemporary Christian genre, Jordan Smith will still be a sight to behold as long as he has a fantastic voice and a desire to grow.
