JoJo, Fuck Apologies. | Track Review 🎵

Urban Pop Singer JoJo makes a fierce comeback with brash, ‘unapologetic’ single “Fuck Apologies.,” featuring Wiz Khalifa.

It has been 10 years since urban pop star JoJo released an album.  During her active career, JoJo produced two albums – JoJo (platinum-) and The High Road (gold-certified).  A 10-year hiatus is no joke in the music world, so it is imperative that JoJo makes a statement. On the unapologetic “Fuck Apologies.,”she makes a bold statement.  Is it enough? – “…that is the question!”

“Fuck Apologies.” opens with heavily picked guitar lines that recur throughout – think pizzicato.Vocally, JoJo has a nice vocal tone, confirming she’s grown up and her instrument has matured.  The nuances truly help to sell “Apologies” – grit, raw emotion, and vocal cracks.

The unapologetic narrative starts with the first verse, becoming clearer by the pre-chorus.

“And honestly I was just about to pick up the phone
And then I realized that I didn’t do nothing wrong
You would even tell two lies to prove that you were right
Usually I’d go on and take the blame but not this time, not this time.”

JoJo comes to the realization that she doesn’t need to bend because she’s innocent – there’s no reason to apologize.  Unsurprisingly, the chorus is catchy as albeit. She sells her opposition to “saying sorry,” amplified by the f-bomb. The f-bomb is in step with a majority of edgier pop. Given the fact that JoJo needs to conform, yet distinguish herself at the same time, the move is semi-understandable.

“What you want from me?
I would say I’m sorry if I really meant it
Fuck apologies
I would say I’m sorry if I really meant it
I’m not perfect, I got pride
That’s not what it is this time
So fuck apologies
I would say I’m sorry if I really meant it
If I, if I, if I really meant it.”

Wiz Khalifa’s guest verse is predictable – distinction seems to eschew him as of late.  Even so, he does manage to avoid weed references, which is a pro.  Weed would totally be uncharacteristic to the song’s central theme.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Fuck Apologies” is feisty and unapologetic.  JoJo delivers well-rounded vocals; she returns feisty and fierce. Wiz Khalifa is so-so as aforementioned, but his rap doesn’t derail the record.  The chorus is catchy, in all its explicit greatness. There’s promise for Jo.

JoJo • “Fuck Apologies.” (Ft. Wiz Khalifa) • Atlantic • Release: 7.28.16

Photo Credit: Atlantic