By Status Ain't Hood Staff
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July 20, 2026
UK record producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter Nia Archives released her second full-length studio album, Emotional Junglist, this past Friday, and it's an absolute banger. Spanning 15 tracks with only two guest appearances (Jorja Smith on the drum-heavy, rhythmic "Get Me Down" and Samoha on the loud yet wistful "Tender"), Archives crafts an immersive soundscape that explores love's ups and downs while continuing to push the boundaries of dance music. While Emotional Junglist provides the perfect soundtrack for late-night club-hopping and the yearn for nightlife hijinks, it also gives Archives space to reflect on a wide range of emotions that deepen the listening experience. "Dance With Me" is bright, pop-leaning, and carefree, balancing an effortless sense of fun with an underlying desire for peace. On "Vertical," Nia strips away every layer to reveal her vulnerability, confessing, "It's an obsession, you opened heaven," as she reflects on a past relationship. Elsewhere, songs like "The Darkest Hour" and "Lovers Grief" tackle heartbreak, self-reflection, and the pain of feeling underappreciated by someone you love. One of the album's defining moments, "Train of Thought," opens with an anime-inspired flourish that seamlessly ushers listeners into a lush, ambient, and emotionally resonant experience. Throughout the record, Archives proves herself a candid songwriter, effortlessly blending R&B, pop-rock, grunge, electronic music, and jungle with thunderous drums and syrupy yet emotionally raw vocals. The result is an album that resonates with anyone who has experienced the intimacy, joy, chaos, and personal growth that accompany relationships. Indeed, Emotional Junglist isn't just a dancefloor triumph, it is, as its title promises, a vibrant journey across the full spectrum of human emotion. Favorite Tracks: "Around the Bend", "Train of Thought", "Boys in Blue" & "Dance With Me 2nite" Rating: 9.0/10 - Simon P. Williams