FORWARD by Jordan Ward | Album Review

one of my favorite albums of the year in Ward’s debut album

Simply put, Jordan Ward’s, FORWARD is one of the best albums of 2023. The 28 year old, St. Louis product began as a backup dancer for Becky G and Justin Bieber. Happenstance led him to making music, and perhaps for the best. Ward has the vocal intonation of a Khalid with the energy and charisma of Aminé, creating an eclectic range of melodies and genuine moments throughout the album. With a helping hand from Lido, FORWARD signals to both Ward and the listener that the best lies ahead.

Being somewhere between hip-hop and R&B, Ward is comfortable without a label on his music as he alternates between the croons of his gospel influence or the quick, hard-hitting bars in the vein of rappers out of nearby Chicago. The little anecdotes he places throughout, like hitting the mall with friends and how that elicits hope, or staying in a hotel in Beverlywood while the lights were out at in his condo, and even the conversational bits we hear add to the idea of an authentic personality feeling veritable emotions.

The best moments of FORWARD come when the tracks are allowed to be swayed by those jazz and gospel influences. See “FAMJAM4000”, in which the brassiness of trumpet samples settle behind the laid back, yet strong voice from Ward, who…