numbness is exhausting marks the tenth studio album from Houston-based artist Joho, blending boom-bap hip-hop with futuristic R&B. Co-produced by 4d3n, these danceable tracks navigate heartbreak and healing through immersive, genre-bending storytelling and jazzy grooves. The result is consistently replay-inducing and enjoyably heartfelt.

The expressively melodic opener “Because” captures Joho’s ability to fuse heart-on-sleeve lyricism with hooky, vibrant productions — here exuding a vibe fondly reminiscent of J. Cole in its steady flow, “things can be hard when you’re in love” introspections, and soaring vocal samples. Joho’s opening proclamation that he’s “really tired of writing love songs” is evident, though when he writes such damn good love songs like this one, it’s probably hard to stop. The ensuing “Sometimes.1” consumes as well, melding breezy vocal harmonies, bass-y buzzes, and a briskly confessional lyrical prowess.

Another standout track, “Come See About Me” dazzles with a more synth-fronted embrace. Spacey, illuminated tones combine with a subdued vocal presence, swelling to an intense lead just prior to the one-minute turn. “Another long night,” the vocals begin there, perspectives of chilling alone moving into a lovely “when the sun goes down, the one thing on my mind is you” smitten effervesence; woodwind-like tones infuse seamlessly into a gorgeous title-bearing hook. Full of melodic pop savvy and emotively gripping vocals and lyricism, numbness is exhausting is a stellar full-length from Joho.

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“Come See About Me” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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