Coco Jones is having an outstanding year. As the final season of “Bel-Air” recently kicked off, she got engaged and released a new single just in time for the holidays titled “Skip My House.” Co-written by Jones, Avital Margulies, and Sara Diamond, this catchy song continues the trend she started last year with her impressive EP, “Coco By The Fireplace.”
On that project, Jones made a wise choice by avoiding cover songs and standards, instead focusing on original material that highlights her songwriting talent. This decision affirms that, with dedication, R&B artists can create engaging modern holiday music.
In “Skip My House,” produced by Johnny Thomas Jr., Jones finds a rare sense of satisfaction. She sighs with relief as the groove unfolds. The beat flows gently, like a crackling fire, and she moves into it as someone who has finally learned to appreciate happiness right on her porch.
There’s no rushing toward the next miracle or anxiously checking off items on life’s to-do list. Instead, there’s a peaceful acceptance of the idea that this is what she needs, and it is enough. Her voice conveys this message with a light but persistent touch.
Rather than asking the universe for something new and shiny, she embraces gratitude and savors the moment as if it’s the last delicious cup of hot cocoa on a snowy night. “I already counted, and my blessings came pouring in,” she sings, her voice filled with contentment.
She’s not in a hurry to rush through the season: “Hoping I can freeze the time now while it’s snowing.” In a line that feels like a warm hand on your chest, she tells the universe—and Santa—to take a break this year: “You can skip my house this year. I already have everything I need right here.”
“Skip My House” is a song that radiates contentment without losing its sparkle, gently reminding us that sometimes having enough is truly enough.
Final Grade: B+
“Skip My House” is available on all streaming platforms.
This week’s Second Listen Sunday pick takes us back to 2006 to revisit “So Amazin’,” the third album from Christina Milian. Arriving in stores on April 19 of that year, the project was produced largely by Cool & Dre, sans one song, and saw the singer earn writing credits on nine of the album’s songs.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I want to showcase love for Rahsaan Patterson and his album track “Can We Wait a Minute” from his self-titled debut album, released in 1997.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to take a trip back to 2000 and show some love to the R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo and their third album, “X,” which was released in stores on December 5, just in time for a holiday stocking stuffer. Arguably, the group suffered from the sophomore slump with their second album, as only two singles were successful.