Smoota, Pheromones | Album Review

On ‘Pheromones,’ Brooklyn R&B singer/songwriter Smoota delivers a thrilling sophomore album that thrives off lust, sex, and the influence of classic soul.

It’s safe to say the Brooklyn R&B artist Smoota believes in the power of sex… that just might be the understatement of the year.  Sometimes, musicians who rely primarily on sex to ‘fuel the fire’ cattycorner themselves into the utmost, utterly predictable shallowness.  Yes, R. Kelly comes to mind, even if he’s managed to bring even more freakiness to each and every album.  But this isn’t about ‘Kells,’ it’s about Smoota, who manages to make his horny, hyper-sexual sophomore album, Pheromones, incredibly captivating. While sex is key to Pheromones, it’s the musicianship behind the project that makes it truly notable.

“40 Days 40 Nights”

On ✓ “40 Days 40 Nights,” Smoota isn’t particularly worried about the ark, but his ‘schlong,’ and of course, what he’d like to do with it.  Okay, there’s also that ‘crazy little thing called love’ involved, but he definitely intentionally raises eyebrows when he says “God, I haven’t, I haven’t touched myself in 40 days.” Wow! With his desire at an all-time high, he successfully captures it on the track, with soulful, old-school production, and a brilliant, nuanced lead vocal, amplified by supporting vocals.

Touch remains firmly planted on his mind on ✓ “It’s Natural” – “You and I: bodies linked / oral, anal, the kitchen sink.”  As risqué as that particular moment is, Smoota isn’t nearly as blunt the remainder of the song.  The chorus is the best moment, where he asserts, “Cause it’s natural / For me to want to make lover to her.” He has a point – it’s human nature.  Speaking of reining it in, surprisingly, silky smooth ✓ “That Body of Yours” avoids reference to masturbation or sex acts – go figure.  Nonetheless, he’s turned up and tuned in, backed by a super sick sensual groove and backdrop that screams pleasure.  An awesome trombone solo (performed by him) only intensifies the bedroom mood.  It’s about to go down…

“Or Just Call It Love”

Among the best songs from Pheromones is ✓ “Or Just Call It Love.” Why? Countless reasons.  The harmonic progression is terrific, while Smoota does a fantastic job of hearkening back to 70s soul in all its glory.  Rather than embrace modern R&B, he embraces old-school, which is ultimately refreshing.  Beyond the underpinnings, the songwriting is intriguing.  Sure, it’s sexed-up, but the chorus, which characterizes the components of love, good and bad, is utterly infectious.  Mark my words, you’ll have this one on repeat.

“Call it obsession

Call it getting laid

Call it possession

Call it getting played

Call it depression

Call it getting saved

Or just call it love…”

On the slow jam “Still Feeling You,” Smoota is totally into her, even though she’s “A girl impossible to please.” Once more, his inner freak shows itself on the second verse:

“…You never get down on your knees

 You only cum when you’re above me…”

Envelope continues to be pushed, but the real allure continues to be the lushness of the production and vocals. Speaking of pushing the envelope, nothing gets more explicit than the funky title track, ✓ “Pheromones,” which features Smoota showcasing his trombone skills once more.  That’s not the only thing showcased of course.  “Almost 30, kinda flirty, I like your mouth it’s fuckin’ dirty,” he sings on the second verse, later adding, “Let your body release your chemical sign…It’s how we were designed.” Ultimately, Smoota wants ‘some of that’ – rather, to sleep with her.

“(I Don’t Care If You’re) Faking It” 

The sex (and Pheromones) keeps on rolling on “(I Don’t Care If You’re) Faking It” – understatement.  Smoota knows exactly what he’s doing when the first lyrics of this minor key record state, “Over half of all women struggle trying to cum / So, you’re not alone, and we can still have a lotta fun.” Wow…  There’s more, like the contradictory “There’s more to life than mere sensation / Just like there’s more than penetration / So I hope that you and I can play the doctor and the patient tonight.” Again, wow. Adding to the orgasmic vibes, are psychedelic cues and fittingly, female orgasmic sounds.  Naturally, as the song progresses, Smoota sounds like he’s just experienced ‘relations,’ if you catch my drift. 

There are very few albums that feature a song titled “Ballbuster.” In fact, prior to listening to Pheromones, none come to mind.  As expected, Smoota plays up her role – “You’re a ballbuster / And you bust me every night.” Da-yum… I’m totally speechless.  That said, I can’t help to chuckle when his female collaborator joins the act, adding to the tongue-n-cheek sexual cringe:

“I…I try to run away [He tries to run away]

But you… you always get your way [You always get your way].”

“Ballbuster” is ridiculous, but there’s something about Smoota’s freaky sense of humor that’s endearing, if that’s the right word.  The groovy “Family Jewels” closes out the LP as soulfully as it commenced.  The sounds of trombone, keyboards, background vocals, and all things vintage soul shine.

Final Thoughts 

Does Smoota ‘overexert’ himself on Pheromones? Yes, but the ear candy is so decadent you can forgive him overstepping in the freak department.  Going in, it’s clear what the musician’s modus operandi is, and he sticks to it from start to finish.  The result is a project that successfully reminds us just how authentic and rich soul was back-when. It’s this more than the sex that truly sells this project and makes the talented musician truly special.

✓ Gems: “40 Days 40 Nights,” “It’s Natural,” “Body of Yours,” “Or Just Call It Love” & “Pheromones”  

Smoota » Pheromones » Body to Body » Release: 11.2.18

Photo Credit: Body to Body