If you’re looking for something uplifting, J Westbrook has the answer for you. The emerging Atlanta-based talent is making industry splashes with his latest single, “Up,” a song inspired by personal events and his journey towards better days after years of battling addiction issues and battles with depression. “Been down for so long/Now things are looking up,” he sings on the chorus that’s surrounded by succulent urban contemporary R&B grooves.
The KayJay-produced track is dreamy, catchy and at times, quite sultry; but it’s surprisingly all baked in inspiration: “I wrote ‘UP’ after one day reflecting on how God saved me from a life that had spiraled out of control with addiction issues and battles with depression,” Westbrook, the longtime Millie Jackson backing vocalist says. “Everyone has been through some tough times in their lives. ‘Up’ is for the survivors, the people who’ve come through to the other side.”
With a vibe that hearkens back to late ‘90’s smooth soul from Donell Jones and lyrics of motivation we all could use, this track is bound to break new ground for J Westbrook, whose music career as a solo artist should only go upward and onward.
Check out this SoulTracks.com First Listen and let us know what you think.
By J Matthew Cobb
J Westbrook – “UP”
