Nao is back with the long-awaited Jupiter: it’s euphoric, intimate and full of her signature blend of R&B and soul.
Her fourth LP finds the London-based singer-songwriter embracing joy, growth and transformation while staying true to the futuristic R&B sound that has set her apart since Nao first announced herself with 2016’s For All We Know.
Jupiter blends electronic beats with funk-inspired grooves and rich instrumentation. ‘Wildflowers’ exudes warmth with its soulful harmonies, while ‘We All Win’ is a feel-good anthem layered with uplifting backing vocals and a groovy drumbeat. And ‘Poolside‘ is a transformative track that stakes a claim to make Jupiter a perfect summer album.
Collaborating with producers Stint and Yakob, Nao creates a sound that embodies the rush of love and deep connection. ‘Elevate’ embodies this – a celebration of intoxicating and euphoric love [“It’s like cocaine when we kiss / The way that I can’t go a day without this”]. The song’s soaring guitar solo, echoing the influence of Prince, only amplifies this sense of euphoria.
Motherhood and personal challenges have reshaped Nao’s perspective, and that transformation pulses through Jupiter. The singer has spoken openly about how struggling with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the arrival of her daughter have shaped her perspective – both personally and creatively. The album reflects this transformation: embracing themes of renewal, joy, and emotional growth. Nao sees Jupiter as more than just an album title – it represents a shift in her life. In astrology, Jupiter is the planet of joy, love, and good fortune and, for Nao, it embodies a new era for her, channelling that energy into her music.
This journey is explored in ’30 Something’, a reflection on the complexities and realisations that come with entering your 30s and motherhood. The song is a blend of vulnerability and empowerment. The London singer has always been an artist ahead of her time and, with Jupiter, she’s reminding us that R&B can be joyful and uplifting while also reflective and raw. This is an album for late-night drives, sunrise moments and dancing like nobody’s watching.
featured image: Lillie Eiger
