Guy is the second studio album by Canadian musician Jayda G. It was released on 9 June 2023 through Ninja Tune.[2] It received generally favorable reviews from critics.[3]
| Guy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 9 June 2023 | |||
| Genre | Electronic[1] | |||
| Length | 36:17 | |||
| Label | Ninja Tune | |||
| Producer |
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| Jayda G chronology | ||||
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Background
editGuy is Jayda G's first studio album since Significant Changes (2019).[4] For the album's songs, she wrote the lyrics first and then composed the music.[5] She started taking vocal lessons and sang on the album.[5] It is co-produced with Jack Peñate.[6]
The album's title refers to Jayda G's late father, William Richard Guy, who died when she was 10 years old.[7] The album includes archival recordings from him.[8] Before his death, he had videotaped himself talking about his life.[5] In a 2023 interview, Jayda G explained, "Some of the words I'm singing are direct quotes my father was saying, and that's how I figured out what the samples would be in the album: Every sample or interlude that's used is something that directly relates to a song or is the basis of the song."[9]
It was released on 9 June 2023 through Ninja Tune.[2]
Critical reception
edit| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 76/100[3] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [10] |
| Exclaim! | 7/10[11] |
| MusicOMH | [12] |
| Pitchfork | 7.4/10[13] |
| PopMatters | 7/10[14] |
According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Guy received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 76 out of 100 from 7 critic scores.[3]
Gabe Lunn of Exclaim! commented that "The record is an achievement of pop-house production, and Jayda's performance throughout is earnest and enthralling — It's a strong effort and vital evolution in her ever-shifting career."[11] Paul Simpson of AllMusic stated, "While the songs often have cheerful and empowering choruses, the lyrics dig deeper into Jayda's father's stories and her reactions to them."[10] Alex Brent of PopMatters called the album "an admirable and occasionally affecting project that balances personal vulnerabilities with uplifting and life-affirming music."[14]
It was nominated for Best Dance Record at the 2024 Libera Awards.[15]
Accolades
editTrack listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" | 0:47 | |
| 2. | "Blue Lights" |
| 3:41 |
| 3. | "Heads or Tails" |
| 3:39 |
| 4. | "Scars" |
| 2:58 |
| 5. | "I Got Tired of Running" | 0:34 | |
| 6. | "Lonely Back in O" |
| 3:44 |
| 7. | "Your Thoughts" |
| 2:47 |
| 8. | "It Was Beautiful" | 0:20 | |
| 9. | "Meant to Be" |
| 3:44 |
| 10. | "Circle Back Around" |
| 3:15 |
| 11. | "When She Dance" |
| 3:22 |
| 12. | "Sapphires of Gold" |
| 3:20 |
| 13. | "15 Foot" |
| 4:06 |
| Total length: | 36:17 | ||
Personnel
editCredits adapted from liner notes.[18]
- Jayda G – vocals, production
- Jack Peñate – production
- Marta Salogni – mixing
- Heba Kadry – mastering
- Flavio Mancini – design
Charts
edit| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Independent Album Breakers (OCC)[19] | 19 |
References
edit- 1 2 "The 25 Best Electronic Albums of 2023". PopMatters. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- 1 2 Strauss, Matthew (20 February 2023). "Jayda G Announces New Album Guy, Shares Video for New Song "Circle Back Around": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Guy by Jayda G". Metacritic. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Eede, Christian (9 June 2023). "Jayda G releases new album, 'Guy', on Ninja Tune: Listen". DJ Mag. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- 1 2 3 Leight, Elias (9 June 2023). "'Both of Us' Made Jayda G a Star. With 'Guy,' She Turns Inward". Billboard. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (21 February 2023). "Jayda G announces new album Guy co-produced with Jack Peñate". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Murray, Robin (21 February 2023). "Jayda G Plots New Album 'Guy'". Clash. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Buckle, Becky (21 February 2023). "Jayda G announces upcoming album 'Guy'". Mixmag. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ LeJarde, Arielle Lana (15 June 2023). "Jayda G's scientific method is making the world dance". The Fader. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- 1 2 Simpson, Paul. "Guy - Jayda G". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- 1 2 Lunn, Gabe (9 June 2023). "Jayda G's 'Guy' Bubbles Over with Energy". Exclaim!. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Devlin, Ben (8 June 2023). "Jayda G – Guy". MusicOMH. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Rodriguez, Tatiana Lee (20 June 2023). "Jayda G: Guy". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- 1 2 Brent, Alex (22 June 2023). "Jayda G's 'Guy' Is a Touching Tribute to Life, Love, and Loss". PopMatters. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Grein, Paul (20 March 2024). "Killer Mike, Mitski, Caroline Polachek Among Top Nominees for 2024 Libera Awards". Billboard. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2026.
- ↑ "The 23 best Canadian albums of 2023". CBC Music. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ "Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2023". Exclaim!. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ Jayda G (2023). Guy (CD booklet). Ninja Tune.
- ↑ "Official Independent Album Breakers Chart on 16/6/2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 January 2025.