Elijah Blake is no stranger to innovation in R&B, but with the deluxe edition of elijah!, the Grammy-winning artist takes his craft to new heights. Originally released in August, elijah! has now expanded with eight fresh tracks and a lineup of impressive collaborators, featuring legends and rising stars alike. This isn’t merely an expansion; it’s an evolution, one that underscores Blake’s dedication to his art and his willingness to push boundaries while staying grounded in the raw emotion that defines his music.
At the heart of this deluxe edition is “Stuck In My Ways,” a standout duet with Sevyn Streeter. The track plays like a masterclass in love’s dualities, blending passionate vocals with soulful production that underscores the anguish of a rocky relationship. This song serves as an anchor in an album that continually pivots between deeply personal themes and universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience.
Elijah Blake’s collaboration with Keyshia Cole on “Every Little Thing” is another high point, paying homage to Carly Pearce’s country hit with a fresh, soulful twist. Cole’s vocals bring an unexpected depth, elevating the song beyond a simple cover into a powerful reinterpretation. Blake explains, “Keyshia sent me her cover of ‘Every Little Thing’ some time ago. Although her label never released it, that song went platinum in my voice memos.” There’s a sense of magic when two powerhouse voices collide, and here, that magic is palpable.
The emotional core of elijah! may well be “Does Something Happen When You Hear My Name (Jason’s Song),” a touching tribute to Blake’s late manager, Jason “Hoody” Hobdy. Collaborating with Tone Stith and Maeta, Blake dives deep into a personal loss, using music as both a memorial and a cathartic release. Accompanied by a moving visual that reflects the personal connections they shared, this track stands as one of the most genuine moments on the album—a heartfelt homage that fans and newcomers alike can feel in their bones.
The deluxe edition doesn’t just add more songs; it builds on the original album’s themes of love, struggle, and self-reflection, creating a more complete narrative. Tracks like “Ghostbuster” and “Company” still resonate, while additions like “Ghostbuster Pt2!” with KIRBY and “Battlefield” with Kim Burrell elevate Blake’s exploration of genre and collaboration. Each track feels intentional, a piece of a larger puzzle that reflects both Blake’s personal journey and his artistic vision.
Elijah Blake has long been recognized for his songwriting prowess, having penned hits for icons like Usher, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. But elijah! is perhaps his most personal work, a reflection of his evolution as an artist and a testament to his resilience. The album invites listeners to experience both Blake’s trials and his triumphs, all woven together with a soulful sound that feels authentic and refreshing.
With the deluxe edition of elijah!, Elijah Blake reaffirms his place in R&B as a true innovator. This isn’t just an album; it’s a statement, a piece of work that reminds fans why they fell in love with R&B in the first place and challenges the genre to reach even higher.