Nao proves her versatility on this new project, adding jazzy notes to her signature sound on ‘Autumn’, Part 1 of Soulful Suite, in what feels like a rebirth of the artist.
“I had this realisation that I’m performing in old skin, but I’m a new person now,” Nao says. “I found myself thinking a lot about the kind of musician and performer I want to be.”
The album opens with the interlude ‘Equinox’, where the striking sound of the saxophone sets a texture that echoes subtly throughout the project. From this alone, you know you’re about to be taken on a musical journey.
‘Fly Away’ follows the interlude, which feels like the most beautiful lullaby, the kind you want to put on repeat whilst you walk down the street with your feet gliding over autumn leaves. A nod to dreaming in love, to flying away from where you are and embracing the beauty the world has to offer. “Love international… there’s a ribbon in the sky, a sign for you and I.”
‘Burst’, which is the third track on the album, carries a powerful magic. A stellar track, with a jazzy instrumental section that feels like a full-band celebration. Electric guitar, saxophone, trumpet and bass collide in the most exhilarating way, giving the music a life of its own. Producer and composer Dave Okumu’s genre-spanning sensibilities shine through here, letting the instruments interact and build on one another rather than simply sit behind Nao’s vocals. His style reflects throughout the project, giving the music room to breathe and unfold organically.
‘Save The World’ is one of the most honest and powerful songs on the project: raw and real. “Who’s gonna save us, who’s gonna save the world if there’s nobody else left?” Sometimes you can feel helpless alongside the pressure to do something for the world, and this song captures that feeling and leaves you with food for thought.
In contrast, ‘U R Loved’ brings a joyous, upbeat energy, offering a gentle reminder to be kinder to yourself. There’s something comforting about the way Nao turns these feelings into a reminder that you are good enough, even when you lose sight of yourself. “Just wanna be present” becomes a simple but powerful sentiment, encouraging you to slow down, live in the moment and recognise the love that’s already around you.
The penultimate track, ‘Eugene’, is bold and unapologetically funky, with a beautiful old-school feel. It opens with “God, you sent us an angel, ooh, you sent us a prayer… ooh, I’m taking it there”, and the refrain “baby, don’t stop doing your thing” repeats like a blessing. A heartfelt homage to the late neo-soul legend D’Angelo, the song nods to his classic sound and to landmark albums such as Voodoo and Brown Sugar.
Nao remains tuned in to the feelings so many of us are carrying right now, from the weight of a world that needs saving to the quiet struggle of learning to be kinder to ourselves. She doesn’t pretend to have the answers, but she offers something just as valuable: a warm, soulful space to feel it all, and a reminder that there’s still love, joy and beauty to hold on to.
‘Autumn’, Part 1 of Soulful Suite is out now via Little Tokyo Recordings.
