Ari Lennox, Soft Girl Era | Song Review

Ushering in her “Soft Girl Era,” Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Ari Lennox ‘brings it,’ delivering a well-rounded vocal performance and an entertaining song.  

“Baby, that’s a million dollars in the mirror (Yeah) / Step back, get back, can’t get near her.” Oh, snap, Ari Lennox (Courtney Salter)! The Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter is in her “Soft Girl Era”! “Ain’t tryna do nothing but look pretty in here,” she continues singing in the centerpiece, the chorus, adding, “Hurry up and put me in my soft girl era.” Lennox penned “Soft Girl Era” alongside Ant Clemons, Gabrielle Rodgers, and producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.

The sound of the “Soft Girl Era” is terrific.  It thrives off an awesome percussive groove and is anchored by a big, soulful bass line.  There is nothing ‘soft’ about Lennox’s vocal performance.  She ‘brings the heat’ as she touts her new era: “I can be your passenger princess / Move quick for a bitch, add interest / Don’t you tell nobody what you witnessed / ‘Cause what we doin’ ain’t no one’s business but you.” Yeah, Lennox is not too soft, particularly later when she asserts, “I can’t let you fuck me out the bonnet.” Woo! Throughout, “Soft Girl Era” features ear-catching, rhythmic, tuneful melodies. Lennox also gets a lift from lovely background vocals that deliver sickening harmonies.  All in all, Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era” is not ‘soft’ in quality.  Once more, Ari ‘brings it,’ keeping R&B alive and well. 

Ari Lennox // “Soft Girl Era” // Interscope // 2025

[: Interscope]