SAINt JHN shows off his undeniable talent throughout “FESTIVAL SEASON.”
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. Whose Ex Wife Is This
Asking, “Whose ex-wife is this?” is one of the top 5 most disrespectful things you can utter.
SAINt JHN goes full-blown rockstar on “Whose Ex Wife Is This.” Backed by edgy rock-hop production and guitar licks that hit just right, he paints a picture of living life on the edge—probably downing mad Pepsis and stealing all kinds of women, even the taken ones. What’s interesting is that, for a good portion of the track, JHN sounds like a therapist for a woman with marital issues, speaking in a calm, soothing voice. That’s what makes it even more disrespectful.
5. Body On Me
Random: I do think people will fall in love with robots in 20 years. More than likely, it will be white people who do this first.
In “Body On Me,” SAINt JHN reflects on feeling empty inside, which seems to lead him to confide in someone who might be good for his body but bad for his mental health. I mean, sometimes a little “good good” can make you forget things—at least for a while, right?
This is definitely one of those tracks made for clubs with LSD vending machines. It boasts a trippy instrumental, a chorus with altered vocals designed to mess with your head (I don’t love this aspect of the track), and a vocal performance by SAINt JHN that oozes passion and pain.
4. Stones!!!
It would be an honor to get my ass kicked to “Stones!!!”
I want to hear “Stones!!!” at one of the deadliest clubs in America—the track’s punchy energy is just way too fire to ignore. I also love JHN’s defiant lyrics, the passion he displays throughout, and how, towards the end, he hypes us up with full force. This might be the most replayable track on the album.
3. Glitching
“Glitching” was supposed to be SAINt JHN’s next “Roses.”
“Glitching” explores feelings of mental disarray, as though life is on a strange loop and your mind isn’t functioning as it once did. This emotional turmoil ultimately leads to feelings of uncertainty and the fear of abandonment in a relationship.
“Glitching” has an EDM-infused sound combined with Afrobeats, giving it a slow yet groovy vibe. Despite the introspective themes and emotional weight, the track still has a rhythm that’ll make you want to rock your head and dance a little. I’m usually not one for higher-register male vocals, but this song is an enjoyable listen overall.
2. Hunting Nirvana
You will either love or hate “Hunting Nirvana.”
SAINt JHN puts on his The Weeknd hat for “Hunting Nirvana.” Over a vibrant, uptempo, 808-heavy pop beat, the New York native locks us into a hypnotic chorus while letting the electrifying backdrop take over. Lyrically, he reflects on seeking solace, admitting that at this stage in his life, no one should truly know him. The track feels euphoric yet undeniably an acquired taste.
1. Loneliness
Have you ever cried on vacation?
“Loneliness” is driven by an uptempo, gentle island beat that’s sure to get your feet moving. Over it, SAINt JHN delivers some of his most intoxicating vocals, assuring the woman he’s pursuing that she deserves nothing but the best—something he’s more than capable of providing. At the same time, he sees her as a source of refuge and comfort. This is one of those tracks that seeps into your soul while simultaneously putting you in a festive mood.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(76%)
Is SAINt JHN too talented for his own good?
There aren’t many artists who impress me more than SAINt JHN. I love the passion in his voice, the fearless way he tackles love, heartbreak, and his rockstar lifestyle, and how seamlessly he can switch into a gritty rapper when needed. FESTIVAL SEASON showcases all of that. Plus, hearing him experiment with different styles and emotions is intriguing as hell. To keep it shorter than Kevin Hart, fans will enjoy hearing SAINt JHN speak his mind in ways that are passionate, authentic, vulnerable, and carefree.
That said, there were some things I didn’t love about this album. For starters, the flow felt disjointed—almost like JHN was throwing anything at the wall to get a reaction rather than taking listeners on a cohesive journey. Some of the hardcore rap moments felt forced, there were clear attempts to recreate the “Roses” magic, and at times, the topics felt overly dramatic. If you’re a core SAINt JHN fan, you might enjoy his unchained energy, but as a casual listener, this album might be a bit of a rollercoaster.
All in all, FESTIVAL SEASON has its flaws, but it’s guaranteed to make you feel something.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
