Keedron Bryant, I Just Wanna Live | Album Review 💿

Viral teen singer Keedron Bryant shines on his debut EP, fitting named after the hit that made him famous, I Just Wanna Live.  

“I’m a young black man / Doing all that I can / …I’m being hunted as prey / My people don’t want no trouble / We’ve had enough struggle.”A moving, viral clip can indeed do big things.  Keedron Bryant, a Florida teen R&B/gospel singer is a living testament to this.  The 13-year old went viral thanks to a song written by his mom (Johnnetta Rayshele Bryant) that perfectly captures the feelings of the black community, particularly black males, given so many incidents of racial injustice, inequality, and police brutality.  Bryant would land a major-label record deal with Warner, which is absolutely impressive given both his age and the impact of “I Just Wanna Live” itself.  Fittingly, his debut EP is also named I Just Wanna Live and features three versions of the moving anthem.

“I Just Wanna Live” 

Normally, I move sequentially, track by track on album reviews, but this time I’m going to focus on the centerpiece, ✓ “I Just Wanna Live.” The main version of the record commences the album, as to be expected.  Keedron Bryant sounds absolutely amazing, much more mature and seasoned beyond his 13 years.  His tone is gorgeous, while the ad-libs and runs only amplify the authenticity, emotions, and investment into the record.  Additionally, Dem Jointz gives Bryant a soulful backdrop that’s both modern yet throwback. It can fly in both R&B and contemporary gospel circles.

Where I break the sequence in this review is skipping to the penultimate and concluding cuts, both remixes of “I Just Wanna Live.” The penultimate version features Andra Day, Lucky Daye, and IDK. In case you were wondering how the 13-year old received an ‘explicit’ label, well it’s not him but his collaborators who keep it real.  Likely, it is this version that is to draw attention given the personnel but Bryant actually ‘holds things down’ just fine by himself.  Still, this is a welcome contrast to the original.  As good as the original version is, arguably, it is the closer, dubbed ✓ ‘Gospel Spirit Mix’ that feels the best Keedron.  Here, his gospel roots shine through effortlessly and he shows just how prodigiously gifted he is. Hearing his soaring lead over that backing gospel choir gives chills.

“Talk About It”

“I Just Wanna Live” is the big story from I Just Wanna Live – it’s 3/8 of the album.  That said, if there was a fear that Bryant’s viral hit would be the sole attraction, FEAR NOT.  ✓ “Talk About It” may not be on the same level as the title track but it marks another sensational, fresh moment for Keedron.  Again, there’s a balance of old- and new- school (funk, gospel, soul), which perfectly suits this young man who clearly sings more like soul and gospel singers of old. I love how the writers/producers ensure Bryant still sounds young; he is only 13 after all.

“U Got This” follows, keeping things on the ‘up and up’ for Keedron.  It’s all positive, uplifting vibes without sounding corny.  There is always a balancing act with underage musicians about how you position them where audience is concerned.  Again, there’s a different level of maturity with Bryant, yet you also don’t want to strip his youth too early.  “U Got This” balances well and can speak to people his age as well as those older who love a little inspiration sprinkled into their R&B or visa verse (R&B sprinkled into their contemporary gospel).

“Resurrection” 

“Walk into the light, and I come alive / I don’t ever die / Resurrection.” Outside of “I Just Wanna Live,” the album keeps on thriving.  Dem Jointz continues to stitch up amazing production on ✓ “Resurrection.”  Again, we get a mix of contemporary gospel, R&B, and even a dash of hip-hop.  Notably, Bryant and his mom cowrite on this powerful number, which speaks to the depth of talent that has been discovered.  This record is catchy, energetic, and powerful, while sounding far different from what we currently hear no the radio.  

“Kings & Queens” brings in The Bryant Family for a terrific throwback soul joint.  Co-written by Marsha Ambrosius, it’s no wonder that this regal record sounds like it would’ve been a surefire hit during the neo-soul era.  Even past that era, this is a chill, positive, and uplifting record you won’t feel the slightest bit guilty playing on repeat.  Finally, there’s “Never Could Say Goodbye,” which is definitely ‘inspired’ by the soul staple sung by Gloria Gaynor, Isaac Hayes, and The Jackson 5.  Here, Bryant is totally on the R&B wavelength, sounding young, fresh, and enthusiastic as he considers “you my best friend.”  Worth noting, Harmony “H-Money” Samuels joins Dem Jointz behind the boards, which is truly decadent ear candy.

Final Thoughts

Keedron Bryant is definitely one to watch.  Warner Records truly signed an artist with an incredibly high ceiling, period.  Bryant could be the next great soul singer, or, he may stick exclusively with contemporary gospel.  Or maybe, he balances both, like so many musicians have managed effectively in the past.  Regardless, I’m personally excited to see how Bryant blossoms.  I Just Wanna Live is a fantastic start.

✓ Gems: “I Just Wanna Live,” “Talk About It,” “Resurrection” & “I Just Wanna Live (Gospel Spirit Mix)”

Keedron Bryant • I Just Wanna Live • Warner • Release: 9.11.20

Photo Credit: Warner