Review: Alex Isley – When EP
Alex Isley delivers yet another smooth and soul-soothing project with her new EP When. True to her style, the whole project feels like a warm, late-night conversation — honest, tender, and effortlessly beautiful.
One standout is “Holding On,” where Alex’s signature soft vocals glide over a gentle, soulful groove. The song captures that raw, emotional space between vulnerability and strength — the kind of track you can put on repeat and still find something new to feel each time.
Then there’s “Ms. Goody Two Shoes,” which is a real gem. Alex plays with a little more bounce and attitude here, showing a playful but thoughtful side. It’s catchy without losing that depth we love about her music — the storytelling here really shines.
“Hands” brings the EP to an emotional peak. The stripped-back production lets her voice take center stage, and the intimacy of the lyrics makes it one of the most moving moments on the project. It feels almost like you’re right there in the room with her — it’s pure, heartfelt, and beautiful.
Production-wise, we get a few brief contributions from Jack Dine, who’s usually Alex Isley’s go-to collaborator. This time, though, she switches things up, bringing in fresh sounds — like on “Mic On,” where legendary producer KAYTRANADA steps in. Instead of overpowering the track, KAYTRANADA delivers a more restrained, subtle production that perfectly complements Alex’s vocals, allowing her signature style to shine through.
Overall, "When" is another reminder of why Alex Isley is such a treasure in today’s R&B scene. She doesn’t just sing — she communicates, with soul, honesty, and grace. This EP is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates music that feels both deeply personal and timeless.
☕☕☕☕ ½ (4.5 coffee cups out of 5)
Take a sip of this EP and let me know your thoughts! Link to the album is down below:
Alex Isley - When EP:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2HHseNs1ly8ccUuZjGNsQD?si=fLciEd7sRSmn4-Oymfp_8w
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-ep/1805122359