Stream Ari Lennox's 'Vacancy: Late Checkout'
(IC) Ari Lennox is extending her stay with the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed third studio album, Vacancy: Late Checkout. Now available on all streaming platforms, the GRAMMY-nominated R&B polymath has updated the LP with nine new tracks, including the recently released "Hookah Baby" and a newly reimagined remix of "Mobbin in DC" featuring Foggieraw. Stream it here
More than merely adding a few songs to the original album, Vacancy: Late Checkout digs even deeper into love and vulnerability while showcasing Ari's vocals in a way we haven't heard before. It opens with the fan-favorite "Hookah Baby," an atmospheric cut backed by swelling synths, drums, and bass produced by Tommy "TBHits" Brown.
The album then segues into the "Show Me," where Ari wears her heart on her sleeve, before giving way to the Jay Versace-produced "Slide." Among the many other highlights are "Leave Me Alone," which samples Shabba Ranks' unmistakable dancehall anthem "Ting-A-Ling," as well as "Speak Your Mind," co-written alongside GRAMMY-winning songwriter Amy Allen.
Ari alternates between storytelling verses and a more melodic hook over the glossy, danceable groove on "Speak Your Mind." Elsewhere, her vocals ripple through the hypnotic drums and bass of "Unicorn." Finally, the deluxe closes out with "Hot Mess," in which she looks inward and reminds herself she doesn't need to have it all together.
Vacancy arrived to glowing reviews in January, with Pitchfork praising the album for being "rooted in experience and features the most skillful vocal performances of Lennox's career." Across its 15 tracks were gems like "Twin Flame," the nostalgia-tinged "24 Seconds," and "Soft Girl Era," which reunited Ari with "Pressure" producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.
Vacancy: Late Checkout Tracklist
1. Hookah Baby
2. Show Me
3. Slide
4. Garden
5. Mobbin In DC Remix (feat. Foggieraw)
6. Leave Me Alone
7. Speak Your Mind
8. Unicorn
9. Hot Mess
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