Joeboy’s ‘SMH (Something Missing Here)’: A Creative Experiment That Falls Flat
Joeboy has always been an artist full of potential, but sometimes his choices seem to stifle his own growth. His journey—from breaking out under a major record label to finding himself in industry disputes—has been eventful. After delivering a global hit with Alcohol, his subsequent releases have struggled to maintain that momentum. Now, with SMH (Something Missing Here), Joeboy attempts a fresh approach, but the results are mixed at best.
Lyrical Simplicity or Plain Laziness?
Lyrically, SMH is extremely sparse, bordering on underwhelming. The repetition of key phrases takes up the majority of the track, leaving little room for depth. While minimalist songwriting can sometimes be an artistic choice, here it feels more like an afterthought. The single verse doesn’t add much substance, making it difficult for listeners to connect emotionally.
Lyrical Breakdown
The song’s lyrics explore a sense of emotional detachment and miscommunication in a relationship. Joeboy expresses frustration over mixed signals from his partner, emphasizing confusion and uncertainty. He conveys feelings of being led on, as his partner’s words do not align with their actions. The bridge highlights the mental exhaustion caused by dishonesty, reinforcing how deeply these inconsistencies have affected him.
Throughout the song, the chorus acts as a constant refrain, emphasizing the void in the relationship. However, instead of evolving or adding new layers to the narrative, the repetition results in a monotonous structure that lacks emotional progression. The lyrical content, while thematically relevant, does not offer enough variation or storytelling depth to sustain listener engagement.
Production: Bold but Misguided
Tempoe, the mastermind behind some of Afrobeats’ finest experimental productions—including Omah Lay’s Soso and Victony’s Soweto—brings an intriguing blend of Indian and Arabian influences to SMH. The instrumental is lush, with detailed layering and high production quality. However, the execution doesn’t quite click. The chorus, making up about 60% of the song, sounds more like an amateur choir arrangement rather than a polished hook. The cinematic outro, meant to add grandeur, instead extends the monotony.
A Risk That Doesn’t Pay Off
While experimentation is necessary for artistic growth, SMH struggles to find its identity. The song doesn’t fully commit to its fusion of sounds, nor does it deliver the catchy, emotional pull that Joeboy is known for. This leaves it in an awkward middle ground—an ambitious attempt that ultimately feels incomplete.
Final Verdict: 4.5/10
Joeboy’s talent is undeniable, and SMH is a testament to his willingness to explore new ideas. However, without stronger songwriting and a more refined approach, the track falls short of its potential. Hopefully, future releases will strike a better balance between innovation and accessibility.
Joeboy’s ‘SMH (Something Missing Here)’: A Creative Experiment That Falls Flat
