Almost two years after the release of her first single, ‘**JEANS (with Miguel)**’, Jessie Reyez finally dropped her highly anticipated third studio album, ‘PAID IN MEMORIES’, on March 28th. In a candid Instagram post, the Toronto-based artist revealed that the album tells the story of her journey to success. While there have certainly been challenges along the way, Reyez expressed that, “in love, in money, in spirit and memories, bitch, [she’s] fucking paid”.
The album opens with a slow burn, as Reyez delivers a stunning showcase of her vocal range and unique tone in ‘**I NEVER SAID I WAS SANE**’ and ‘**GOLIATH**’. The first song dives into her spiritual connection with God, whilethe second one focuses on her interpersonal relationships, specifically her commitment to love deeply and unconditionally — love being a recurring theme throughout the album.
Tracks like ‘**NYB**’, ‘**PSILOCYBIN & DAISIES**’, ‘**RIDIN (with LIL WAYNE)**’, and ‘**JEANS (with Miguel)**’ explore the early stages of a relationship – the honeymoon phase – filled with excitement, butterflies, and lust. Reyez does an exceptional job of setting the scene for each song, capturing the feeling of all-consuming infatuation not only with her lyrics but through vibrant, infectious production that lingers like a first kiss shared with new love.
The mood shifts with ‘**CUDN’T B ME**’, where Reyez sings about a former lover who has moved on with someone completely different from her and even if she wanted to be that person, it would never be a good fit. The track is punctuated by a heartwarming voice message from her close friend and English pop icon Sam Smith, encouraging and empowering Reyez to embrace herself and all she has to offer.
The album delves further into the aftermath of a breakup with songs like ‘**BEGGIN 4 LUV**’, ‘**GUESS IMU**’, ‘**NIGHTS WE’LL NEVER HAVE**’, ‘**TORONTO SHORDIE**’, ‘**HEAD N HEADACHES (with LIL YACHTY)**’, “L.O.Y.L.,” and “*****FREE*****.” These songs explore the emotional turmoil that follows — a journey through sadness, frustration, anger, and the eventual realisation that the relationship was never meant to be in the first place.
Overall, ‘PAID IN MEMORIES’ is a no-skips album on resilience, growth, and the beauty of love in all its forms. Reyez took to Instagram to share that “[a]long with the people [she’s] lost, [she’s] also had real ones stick by [her] regardless”, reminding us that the most meaningful success is measured not by fame or wealth, but by the love and support of those who truly matter and the memories we make along the way.
Written by Vicky Madzak
GEM Magazine 