Full disclosure: I went to high school with Jordan Occasionally and sang with her in choir. I remember her in our program’s a cappella group, Key of She. She was often the featured soloist of the group, delivering her smooth runs effortlessly. She was the star of the show, her stage presence unmatched, as if each note she belts is a love song in itself. Now, four years later, I have the privilege of seeing her grow not only as an artist but a fellow queer woman. So when I heard she was releasing a new single this March, I quickly hopped on the opportunity to be one of the first to hear it.
Jordan Occasionally’s “I Don’t Like You Anymore” fades in slowly to a flowing groove with biting lyrics. Reminiscent of late 90s R&B, the beat is simple yet hits the right spot for an angsty anthem for her womxn audiences. Her lyrics, “You’re not so special/I don’t remember you at all,” read especially well for someone recently going through a break up. It also appeals to that similar feeling many of us womxn experience after moving on from a toxic relationship. The eerie feeling of relief that comes with grieving the loss of romance and intimacy resonates through her honest words and mellow beat. Jordan’s single is not only empowering, but provides a cathartic backdrop for the peaceful mundane of feminist individualism.
Jordan’s voice itself lends a silky tone, making any song of hers simply beautiful to listen to. She sounds very similar to artist Mereba, both with a slight childlike quality that makes them incredibly relatable. This shows through brilliantly in “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” as her singer-songwriter vibes complement the sway of the beats. Not only this, but this release is much different from her previous songs. We get to see more of Jordan’s range as she has delved into topics on black rights, love, Memphis gentrification, and now womxn’s empowerment. For further listening, I strongly recommend Jordan’s “Dear Broad, Bingham, and Beale” and “Coffee (I’m Addicted)”. Either way, be sure to check out “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” available this Friday the 20th on all streaming platforms. I promise it’s one you don’t want to miss.