Chicago-based songwriter Nick Nobody (stage name of artist Ra’Mon Jones) dropped his debut album, Nomad, in mid-September. Capturing the mood of an endless summer, dust-glazed skies that singe and simmer to a cool, crisp beat, this R&B/pop record promises an intimate voyage through life and loneliness, towards the tranquility hiding in the midst of adventure.
Now, Ra’Mon has been writing since his 90s childhood, initially poems and short stories, before refining his songwriting skills around the age of sixteen. Yet, his storytelling skills take centre-stage throughout Nomad – each track a new tale told, a new memory unlocked, a new epiphany brought to the surface.
This isn’t your usual R&B record, pumped thick with tracks on love and lust; although Nick Nobody does spare some moments for this classic blueprint to shine, such as “Blush,” one of his personal favorites. Instead, gentle artistry glimmers through each track; he latches his listeners in with clean, calm vibes and naturally flawless vocals, lacing contagious optimism and themes of independence with the rawest of lyrical realities. Tying this album together is an intriguingly meditative concept which is best left explained through Ra’Mon Jones’ own words:
“Nomad is an album based on my very private internal feelings, perspectives, and personal loner preferences, although not entirely based on my personal experiences. It explores themes of resistance to and refusal of romantic love, relationships, and long-lasting bonds as a means of self-preservation, or so it may seem.
Drawing on nomadic characteristics like wandering and a constant avoidance of settling in one place, Nomad takes a deep-dive into the concept of protection over-connection, uncovering vulnerability, desire, disappointment, and longing hidden underneath fear and misunderstanding. Ultimately, the album is an introspective journey with winding roads leading to clarity and a hope for stability.”
Still not sold? Nomad’s songs were penned within the short space of a week, following Ra’Mon‘s ponderings on being a single, middle-aged man surrounded by married friends busy starting families of their own. But Nick Nobody doesn’t slide into a depressive perspective; instead, weaving his natural realizations through his lyrics, in tune with acceptance, patience, and self-dependent strength.
And through it all, Nick spares time for musical experimentation, from electric piano riffs that tiptoe upon entering the realms of classical music, to saxophone solos, spoken word interludes, rhythms plucked from the Caribbean and Latin America, its lyrics even flowing into foreign languages in places. There’s hardly a better way to animate a jet-setting, world-wandering concept, and Nomad laps in this universal appeal.
But what do we really think of Nick Nobody’s Nomad? Our final verdict: Highly Recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to Nick Nobody and check out his music on Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and more. Please support Nick Nobody by visiting his website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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