In what is expected to be a great year of R&B, Ari Lennox dropped her third studio album, Vacancy, last Friday and it’s a promising sign of things to come in 2026.
With production from Jermaine Dupri and Brian Michael Cox, longtime collaborator Elite, J White Produced It and Camper, Lennox’s jazzy vocals and witty millennial songwriting skills are properly complimented by sounds that range from come hither quiet storm to drenching dancehall riddims.
A standout track destined for after-hours playlists worldwide is “Pretzel,” a song where Ari croons about her need to be stretched out in various ways.
Racy, kitchen inspired lyrics such as “It’s foamin’, it’s risin’ when you’re hittin’ it, I splatter that batter and you’re bakin’ it” will inspire many lovers to follow each other for more recipes after listening to that song.
There’s also a great storytelling element on Vacancy, including “Under the Moon” which features some early 70s-era soul chops and a story of a man who turns into Ari’s favorite beast when the moon is full.
“Cool Down” is the sleeper on the album, a sweet song co-produced by hitmaker Tricky Stewart. On this song, Ari praises her man for listening to her and how his faithfulness and dedication to her have earned him some serious reciprocity.
There’s just one feature on the album, the aforementioned dancehall-tinged “Company” with Buju Banton and even that fits seamlessly into Vacancy‘s cozy, laid back and intimate vibe.
To me, Ari Lennox is 3-for-3 on her full-length projects.
Shea Butter Baby was a perfect introduction to her as a person, Age/Sex/Location was a key point in her maturation and now Vacancy proves she has staying power as an artist who can sing on just about anything.
Freed from the shackles of Dreamville Records, she can be the artist she always wanted to be, and her fans know she can be.
Soon, there will be a shortage of vacancies in Ari Lennox’s trophy case as her sound and style continue to grow and thrust her into the spotlight as one of modern R&B’s best singers and artists.
Listen to Vacancy here:
