From YouTube covers to sold-out shows at one of New York City’s legendary palaces of entertainment, the journey of acclaimed British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith has been nothing short of extraordinary. As part of her Falling or Flying Tour in North America, Jorja brought her soulful sound to the Brooklyn Paramount for two mesmerizing nights, captivating audiences with her signature blend of vulnerability and strength.
The atmosphere was electric even before she stepped on stage. A low hum of anticipation filled the room, and as soon as the pounding drums of Try Me began, the crowd erupted into cheers. Jorja’s presence was commanding yet effortless, her voice cutting through the darkness as she sang the lyrics that signified her return after a two-year hiatus. The song’s bold, declarative nature set the tone for the evening- spotlighting an artist standing in her truth, free from expectations, and fully embracing her artistry. With each song, Jorja wove a narrative of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, taking the audience on an emotional journey. When the opening notes of Blue Lights played, a hush fell over the crowd, everyone hanging onto every word of the powerful anthem about racial profiling and social injustice. It was a reminder of Jorja’s ability to blend storytelling with activism, and the raw emotion in her delivery made it one of
the night’s most moving moments. As the night unfolded, the Brooklyn Paramount transformed into an intimate space where every person seemed to share a collective experience. Whether it was the heartache of Addicted or the wistful yearning of Where Did I Go?, each song struck a personal chord with the audience.
Feelings were particularly special, with Jorja’s male backup singer taking center stage for a stunning vocal performance, his effortless runs sending chills through the venue. The chemistry between the band and Jorja was undeniable, creating a seamless flow that made every transition feel organic. One of the standout performances of the night was Loving You as she brought out Maverick who opened for her. Before singing she shared words shedding light on his
influence in her career that has allowed for a beautiful music partnership that we get to see beautifully exhibited on stage. As she transitioned from High, she played a “guess the song” game with the audience that many guessed correctly- Teenage Fantasy. Initially starting a cappella, the opening chords accompanied Jorja’s voice, and a wave of nostalgia washed over the audience, many singing along to every word with their eyes closed, lost in the memory of youthful love and its bittersweet lessons.Jorja’s ability to balance power and subtlety was evident throughout the set.
She commands attention through her quiet confidence, soulful vocals, and understated movements were the moment. Even in the softer moments, like the heartbreaking Don’t Watch Me Cry, she allowed silence to linger, letting the weight of her words sink in before gently pulling the audience back into the warmth of her voice. As the show neared its finale, she effortlessly transitioned into some of my all-time favorite songs—Be Honest, On My Mind, and Little Things.
The moment she started singing, the energy in the crowd shifted; everyone was immersed in the rhythm, swaying and dancing. It felt like a collective party, with voices blending into the lyrics and bodies moving in sync with the beat. It felt like more than just a performance—it was a celebration, a reflection of Smith’s journey, and a moment of pure connection between artist and audience. Jorja Smith has the radiance of an artist who has not only found her voice but continues to refine it. Smith has shown us time and time again that she is her own artist, and this tour proves that she’s not just flying—she’s soaring. With each performance, she solidifies her place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B, and if this show was any indication, she’s only just getting started.
