The Musician Insight

The R&B and neo-soul singer Ari Lennox is back on the scene with her new single Vacancy, giving us a glimpse of her upcoming album.

Produced by legendary hitmakers Bryan-Michael Cox (Be Without You by Mary J. Blige, Girlfriend by Alicia Keys…) and Jermaine Dupri (We Belong Together by Mariah Carey, My Life by TLC…), Vacancy features an infectious instrumental. Composed of a bass, drum kit, and saxophone, the track also features layered vocals — some sampled from Mtume‘s 1978 Theme (For the People), and others produced by Lennox’ own background harmonies).

In this track, Lennox is flirty and sultry, delivering a true sensual R&B ballad: “Etta James surround with a sound. Maybe you can help out, look around”. Throughout Vacancy, we have the representation of an empowered woman, knowing what she desires: “I want you to move in this space with me tonight”.

Ari Lennox’s signature vocal style shines throughout the track, making the audience dive into a hot and steamy atmosphere, bringing back once again old-school R&B to the mainstream.

Photo source: Dreamville Festival/Parallel Agency