An absolute orchestral beauty, “Been Here Before” leads with a slow build-up, unhurriedly making its point by the 1-minute mark on the 3:18-long song. R&B singer Ro Jordan also wrote and produced the track, released November 21st. In the first week, the single has generated 3,500 streams on Spotify. Listeners will be blown away by this powerhouse performance with Ro’s voice that serves to accentuate every bit of this triumphant, soulful, pop ballad. “Been Here Before” contains an atmospheric orchestral arrangement in which the artist has managed to fashion a concert-like experience. The melancholy beginning lends way to an impressive introduction of Ro’s emotional range, from grit to powerful diva-like belting. Ro seamlessly brings in a R&B vibe to the pop, soul track.
The lyrics speak to a relationship in endless cycles, constantly in repeat, with no room to grow together. Calling it the swan song for the year, Ro teases out the idea of a relationship with no remorse. The song points to personal self-worth as a foundation for one’s identity despite being in such a relationship.
The official music video, directed by Lewis M. Jordan and produced by Milkyway Recordings, premiered on November 27th and hit 1,000 views in one day. The video is a dramatization of the theme, making no bones of the serious subject by shooting the entire piece in a darker filter. The UK artist, in gorgeous wind-swept silver locks, sings in an empty field. Interspersed are scenes underwater, depicting the symbolism of drowning within an unhealthy relationship.
Ro Jordan is a BBC supported artist and producer, as well as being featured in the Top 25 Most Played on BBC Radio. She is fast making a name for herself within the music industry. Before the pandemic struck, the East Midlands-born musician commonly performed around the Leicestershire and London areas. Prior to “Been Here Before,” Ro is a featured artist on the collaborative epic single “Breathe” by UK Alternative Rockers, Oceans Apart. That track dropped on October 17th and has garnered nearly 10,000 YouTube views. “Colourblind,” a supportive reaction of the Black Lives Matter movement has reached 54,000 YouTube views. The indie artist cites her influences as Lauryn Hill and SZA. To date, her most popular YouTube video has over 200,000 views. “Indoors” was released earlier in 2020, is said to be a ‘tribute to the turbulent times’ and to encourage her listeners that they are not alone in feeling isolated. The song’s proceeds were donated to The British Red Cross Covid-19 Response Unit.
Her unique sound has garnered praise, having her biggest performance to date in front of a crowd of 25,000 people in Bangkok, Thailand. Her songs are available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.