Album Review: Waiting On You by Jon B
Despite the long wait (this is his first album in over a decade since 2012’s Comfortable Swagg), Jon B returns with a focused record that reflects patience and care over the years of delays.
Jon B dropped the duet “Understand” with Donell Jones in 2019 as the first single from his forthcoming album, initially planning to follow up quickly. Those plans were derailed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020: Everything shut down with the pandemic,” Jon noted, which put the project on hold for two years. During this forced hiatus, he took the opportunity to re-evaluate and fine-tune the album: “After being shut down for two years, I went back to make sure I was happy with the project. It gave me an excuse to put a magnifying glass on it.” This period of reflection even led to new creative moves, such as securing a collaboration with rapper Rick Ross—an addition Jon called “an incredible experience” that might not have happened otherwise.
When live music resumed, Jon B found himself inundated with concert and touring opportunities, further delaying the album's studio time. Juggling live shows with finishing the record was a challenge, and ultimately, he decided to keep the album lean. Waiting On You became an 11-track collection, which Jon B described as “short and sweet and very precise,” containing exactly what he wanted to deliver with no filler. In effect, the pandemic’s pause and the subsequent surge of activity made him hone the project to its essence. Despite the long wait (this is his first album in over a decade, since 2012’s Comfortable Swagg), Jon B returns with a focused record that reflects the patience and care invested over the years of delays.
“Chozen” kicks off the album and poetically correlates love and desire, accentuating the grandeur of shared moments and the intimacy that flourishes between the partners. Jon B’s evocative diction, incorporating “golden divine, the jury lit,” positions a luxurious, almost ethereal setting. The narrative conveys an affection that transcends the conventional, embodying a relationship that is both magnetic and undeniable in its intensity. Two of the standouts, “Priceless” and “Pick Me Up,” harken back to Bonafide (definitely the latter) as it is an ode to finding solace in a partner during tumultuous times.
The LP features two unexpected uptempo songs: “Hills to the Hood” and “Still Got Love.” The former unfolds a narrative of indulgence and escapism, encapsulating a relationship between luxury and raw street realities because Rick Ross, on the other hand, raps about the opulence of luxury items and the thrill of the drug trade, which he’s surprisingly on topic, “The money automatic let you hold the Patek/I’m rolling up a fatty, you gon’ hold a chedda.” The latter, “Still Got Love,” has more funk that Jon B employs metaphorical and literal language to express the profundity of emotional bonds, referencing the historical fortitude of his or her love and the immutable nature of their connection. Needless to say, his songwriting is as sharp as ever.
By late last year, Jon unveiled “Natural Drug” as the second single from Waiting On You, further shaping the album’s narrative. The track’s production takes us back to the smooth R&B of his ‘90s heyday while still feeling fresh, showcasing his gentle tenor vocals and layered harmonies. The accompanying music video even featured actress-model Cynthia Bailey as the love interest, underlining the song’s sensual, romantic vibe, although the mixing leaves much to be desired. Other features include Tank on the title track, marking their first time on a song together since Tank appeared on Jon’s 2004 Stronger Everyday album. In his words, the song “describes the feeling of anticipating love in your life, the seasons of waiting” and emphasizes that even when it seems to be taking forever, you shouldn’t give up because “not giving up makes it all worth the wait,” and the song embodies that.
The other feature on the album is Alex Isley, who’s the center of attention on “Show Me,” where the duo’s vocal interplay and harmonization create a sense of dialogue as if they are both seeking and offering guidance in navigating the complexities of their relationship. “Bandit In the Night” exemplifies the artist’s ability to blend genuine emotion with seductive imagery, forging a connection that resonates with those who appreciate his artistry. The lush production and smooth grooves that underline these tracks set the stage for the sultry atmosphere, while “Drift’n” serves as the epilogue to the album. The ethereal quality of Waiting On You complements the themes, enveloping a dreamlike atmosphere where love’s potential yet undefined paths are explored with vulnerability and curiosity.
After years of delays and reworking, Jon B delivers to the scene by staying true to his R&B core, crafting songs about love’s patience and intoxication, and setting a warm, romantic atmosphere for the full record. This impassioned, sensual concept reinforces the album’s focus on love and devotion. Jon B has stated that he wants to keep the love and sensuality of R&B alive in his music, and his seventh studio album delivers on that mission. Its slow-burning groove and romantic imagery continue the tone set by “Understand,” letting us know that Waiting On You as a whole is centered on romance, passion, and soulful melodies.
Great (★★★★☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Show Me,” “Pick Me Up,” “Bandit In the Night”