Private Joy - Desire! (2024) [Hi-Res]

Private Joy?! With a namesake derived from the mighty Prince’s catalogue, and its lustful connotations, Private Joy is the producer of soul band Lovescene and a supreme vocalist of the Manchester scene. With collaborations working with the likes of Ruf Dug, Finn, and Lenzman, a solo EP was inevitable and a statement this is.

Pops Roberts’ first solo EP debuts on Rhythm Section INTL bringing together influences from Streetsoul, 80s ‘babymaker’ RnB records and a slice of 00s soulful house in there for good measure. In just over 18 minutes, Private Joy welcomes you into her world of sensuality and soulful warmth. Musical hugs galore, the production balances synths, harps, saxophones, tight beats and meaningful lyrical content; eschewing millennial whoops for Sade indebted dulcet tones.

Each track draws from personal experience; be it heartbreak or reconnection, an emotional diary conveying the trials and tribulations of love, loss and ultimately, desire.

Opening with ‘Eyes on You’, reeling you in slowly with a Joe Sample style intro, Pops’ undoubtedly sultry voice hits the hairs on the back of your neck, underpinned by 5 stringed bass guitar which features across the EP, giving every track deep harmonic roots. ‘Love Find A Way’ conjures the best of Osunlade’s discography, combining harp from Ada Francis, percussive loops, smooth strings, finishing the A side on soulful house tip.

The B side kicks off with ‘Playful’, a downbeat soul jam with an “swaying afrobeats influence”, to reflect Private Joy’s intention: “ An ode to appreciating the enjoyment of a friendship that is drenched in attraction that needs to be respected and taken slowly”. “Pure Love” jumps straight in with that elusive streetsoul vibe, when you hear it, you just know the volume needs to increase. Fellow Mancunian Meduulla jumps on the mic for the final verse, ironing in the tribute to the late 90s ‘upfront’ underground RnB sound made timeless by artists such as Zhané, Mary J Blige and Brandy. Closing the EP is title track ‘Desire!’, a modern ballad featuring Ophelia Buxton backing the layered vocals with trumpet licks. Jazzy rhodes and synth pad swells fill the void behind the natural yet electronic drums, a tapestry of passion led by Anita Baker chic vocals.

“Desire has been the drive and beginning of so many decisions, highs and lows in life…” - Private Joy

Tracklist:
01. Private Joy - Eyes On You (Intro) (01:27)
02. Private Joy - Eyes On You (03:21)
03. Private Joy; Ada Francis - Let Love Find A Way (03:45)
04. Private Joy - Playful (03:17)
05. Private Joy; Meduulla - Pure Love (03:41)
06. Private Joy - Desire! (02:57)