It’s hard to believe that an iconic singing competition like American Idol has produced only two Black male winners in its more than two-and-a-half-decade history. Jamal Roberts made history last year when he won the show, following Ruben Studdard’s well-deserved victory in Season Two.
I’ll admit that American Idol lost its appeal to me a while ago. However, I’m always rooting for everyone BLACK, so naturally, I decided to give Roberts’ debut album, “The Journey,” a listen.
Released via BMG, Roberts’ debut is a surprisingly refreshing experience. Whenever a new R&B singer emerges, I often expect the project to be filled with Auto-Tune, unnecessary guest rappers, or whatever sound is trending now. Thankfully, Roberts avoids that route.
Instead, he allows his voice to take center stage, delivering an almost throwback project with the kind of soulful quality that reminds you why singers were once expected to sing truly.
Running for a tight nine songs, The Journey opens with “Somebody Else,” where Roberts grapples with loving someone whose heart may already belong elsewhere. Next, “Drunk Texting” captures a relatable moment for anyone who’s been in a rough patch with their partner and sent a message they probably should have thought twice about.
“Perfect For Me” sees Roberts celebrating the imperfections that make someone just right for him, while “And This” continues the album’s theme of appreciating unexpected blessings found through love and connection.
In “Can’t Let Go,” Roberts leans into the emotional tug-of-war of knowing a relationship may be slipping away while still refusing to let it go. “Nothing Compares” maintains the romantic vibe, whereas “Girl Dad” becomes one of the album’s most personal tracks, celebrating fatherhood and unconditional love for his daughters.
“Mississippi” reflects on family, roots, and what gets left behind when dreams take you elsewhere. The acoustic reprise of “Perfect for Me” closes the album by stripping away some of the polish and putting Roberts’ greatest strength—his voice—front and center.
While I enjoyed “The Journey”, I am skeptical that it will soar up the charts in today’s R&B landscape. That doesn’t mean Roberts won’t achieve success. There’s plenty of strong material here—and more importantly, genuine vocal talent—for him to build a solid touring audience. I can also easily see several of these songs finding new life through placements on television and film.
In an era where chart position doesn’t always determine longevity, Roberts may ultimately discover that his journey is less about chasing a hit and more about building a career.
Final Grade: B+
“The Journey” is available on all streaming platforms.
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