Album Review: Empathogen {Willow}
After visiting WILLOW's recent performances and album Empathogen, it is clear that she has evolved into a profound artist with impressive musical and intellectual prowess. Her growth is undeniable, as she demonstrates a strong creative vision and the ability to captivate audiences with her authenticity and skill.
I hadn’t paid much attention to Willow since her childhood when she was making music that had all the makings of a “nepo baby” with a producer on the payroll. Earlier this summer, out of curiosity, I clicked on a link to her performance on The Tonight Show, tied to the release of her new album Empathogen, and I was completely unprepared for the musical and intellectual depth she displayed as an emerging artist with immense talent and sensitivity.
Her performance of “Home” brought unexpected complexity to a late-night variety show, featuring a driving rhythm, intricate jazz harmonies, skilled improvisation, a slapping bass line, and powerful vocals—leaving nothing to be desired. While Willow’s talent was undeniable, her band was equally remarkable, showcasing top-tier musicianship that elevated the entire performance. It was a feast for the ears and a balm for anyone weary of predictable pop music.
WILLOW Live Band credits:
- Willow Smith: vocals
- Liso Lee: guitar, vocals
- Zach Tenorio: keys
- Mohini Dey: bass
- Taylor "The Pocket Queen" Gordon: drums
NPR's Tiny Desk Concert
The next stop on my Willow journey was her performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, perfectly tailored to an audience of cerebral listeners who value artistry over spectacle. I was immediately captivated by “Symptom of Life” from her new album, blown away by Willow’s creative range and her ability to hold her own alongside her prodigious bandmates in such an intimate, exposed setting.
Though the music was in perfect sync, there was a noticeable interpersonal disconnect between Willow and the band, despite their close physical proximity. Bassist Mohini Dey and drummer Taylor “The Pocket Queen” Gordon frequently exchanged glances, while Willow rarely acknowledged them. This subtle separation highlighted the fact that, while the band’s musical prowess is essential to the performance, this is still Willow’s show. It left me wondering what heights they could reach if they were all equal creative partners.
The Studio Album
The studio album is an intricate and exciting musical journey, but some of the vibrant energy from the live performances was lost in the production process. It felt like certain subtleties and the sense of mystery that made the live shows captivating were smoothed out. With a completely different studio band (except for pianist Zach Tenorio), some of the personality I loved in the live performances was missing. Though the album features many exciting musical guests including Jon Batiste and Annie Clark, I'm not sure what they added because there is a sense of distance between her and her collaborators.
That said, an artist’s strength lies in their ability to surround themselves with high caliber talent, and Willow certainly does that both on the album and in the live performances. Though missing some of the enigma of the live performances, the band still delivers with precision. The album remains exhilarating, and I’ll definitely return to it. With a jazz fusion style reminiscent of Snarky Puppy, Willow’s vocals also draw comparisons to Alanis Morissette, Sinead O’Connor, and even Dave Matthews. Her sound carries a nostalgic, classic quality while still feeling fresh, relevant, and uniquely her own.
Studio Album credits:
- Willow Smith – lead vocals (all tracks), guitar (tracks 1, 2), background vocals (4, 5), electric guitar (4, 9)
- Zach Brown – bass guitar, percussion (track 1)
- Jon Batiste – drums, piano, vocals (track 1)
- Chris Greatti – bass guitar (tracks 3–6, 9, 10, 12), guitar (3, 5), percussion (3–5, 9), acoustic guitar (4, 6, 9, 10), piano (9), electric guitar (10, 12)
- Asher Bank – drums (tracks 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12)
- Brad Oberhofer – piano (track 3)
- Zach Tenorio – piano, synthesizer (tracks 5, 6, 12); strings (5)
- Annie Clark – vocals (track 6)
- Eddie Benjamin – bass guitar, drums, guitar, synthesizer (tracks 7, 8, 11)
- Elijah Rawk – acoustic guitar, bass guitar (track 10)
From Nepo to Artist
Exploring Willow’s live and recorded performances has been an unexpected thrill. If the studio album had you wondering if Willow’s abilities are manufactured, the live performances serve as the receipts that they are earned. I admire Willow’s commitment to the art form. Her newest album proves that it matters little where you started - even if you happened to start with the world at your fingertips. Creating something beautiful, worthy, and true can’t be forced. Only twenty-three years old, this offering demonstrates that Willow is just getting started.
WILLOW was touring with Childish Gambino until announced on September 9, 2024, that the remainder of the tour is being postponed.
