Guy is the second studio album by Canadian musician Jayda G. It was released on 9 June 2023 through Ninja Tune. It received generally favorable reviews from critics.
Background Guy is Jayda G's first studio album since Significant Changes (2019). For the album's songs, she wrote the lyrics first and then composed the music. She started taking vocal lessons and sang on the album. It is co-produced with Jack Peñate.
The album's title refers to Jayda G's late father, William Richard Guy, who died when she was 10 years old. The album includes archival recordings from him. Before his death, he had videotaped himself talking about his life. 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."
It was released on 9 June 2023 through Ninja Tune.
Critical reception
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." 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." Alex Brent of PopMatters called the album "an admirable and occasionally affecting project that balances personal vulnerabilities with uplifting and life-affirming music."
It was nominated for Best Dance Record at the 2024 Libera Awards.
Accolades + Year-end lists for Guy Publication List Rank CBC Music The 23 Best Canadian Albums of 2023 Exclaim! Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2023 PopMatters The 25 Best Electronic Albums of 2023
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from liner notes.
Jayda G – vocals, production Jack Peñate – production Marta Salogni – mixing Heba Kadry – mastering Flavio Mancini – design
Charts + Chart performance for Guy Chart (2023) Peakposition UK Independent Album Breakers (OCC) 19
References
External links