Jordan Ward’s 15 best songs (so far).
Get to know Jordan Ward with this ranking of his best tracks.
artwork by James Kim.
Jordan Ward is about to have a moment. Last year, his phenomenal debut album, FORWARD, was met with acclaim; performances at the 2023 Dreamville Fest and Rolling Loud California this March followed. Despite the recognition he has received, Ward is still underappreciated. While he is often billed as a contemporary R&B artist, his versatility within the genre separates him. His distinctive style effortlessly blends eclectic inspirations, incorporating elements of funk, soul, gospel, alternative rock, hip-hop and pop into his music. To those unfamiliar with his music, these 15 songs offer a glimpse into the diverse catalog that makes Ward such a promising talent. And it’s only the beginning. Among a quintuple entendre of interpretations of the title FORWARD, this album stands out as a foreword in Ward’s story. With R&B continuing to evolve, Ward is one of those artists that gives me confidence that the genre is in good hands. Shoutout to my brother Danny for listening to Ward’s entire discography with me and helping me put together this list.
15. ZOOMIES (2023)
“Know the dawgs been gettin’ restless in one place, we got the zoomies,” Ward sings before the chorus about…getting the zoomies. Lyrically, this is Ward at his goofiest. He spends the song making (albeit clever) canine puns about his “dawgs” and his “bad bitches,” but he makes it work. It’s fun. You can’t help but laugh at his playfulness and admire his ability to take ridiculous lyrics and make a catchy track. It’s also a perfect introduction to the distinct sound, honed by executive producer Lido, that frames Ward’s first album.
14. Lalaland (2017)
A cut from his first EP and the earliest track to make this list, it’s unsurprising that Ward is still coming into his own musically here. His raw talent, though, is undeniable in this early iteration of his signature sound. Ward reflects on moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles over a boom-bap beat, blending his melodic vocals throughout the track. While he initially moved to LA to pursue professional dancing, his hunger for success and passion for music is palpable.
13. BUSSDOWN (2023)
Ward eases into FORWARD with an electric guitar-heavy indie-rock opening track that separates itself from the rest of the project. The instrumental feels stripped down and, without any drums, Ward’s voice is in the spotlight. Yet another example that Ward is compatible with any genre, he puts his unique spin on alternative rock, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and hopeful. “Still I keep thinking 'bout/Four or five years from now/And how all this will pan out/But deep down, I got a good feelin',” he sings. To Ward, this is the beginning of the beginning.
12. CHERIMOYA (2023)
For all his unserious lyrics, Ward’s extended metaphor here is quite poetic. Another acoustic entry to this list, the song’s angelic melody has the calming effect of a lullaby. Inspired by eating the fruit in the studio, Ward likens his love to a cherimoya, praising its rarity and sweetness with some of his most romantic lyrics.
11. MUSTARD (with 6LACK) (2023)
A moody opening riff sets the tone for a pensive reflection on Ward’s personal journey and facing the challenges of leaving the past behind. Keeping with the wistful feeling of FORWARD, Ward sings that he, “Held it down for ten summers like Mustard, baby,” a nod to iconic producer Mustard’s debut album Ten Summers. Despite a brief, lackluster verse from 6LACK, the Atlanta R&B vet lends his vocals to a beautiful chorus alongside Ward.
10. WHITE CROCS (with Ryan Trey) (2023)
Assisted by fellow St. Louis R&B artist Ryan Trey, the two deliver a track filled with swagger. They are feeling themselves as they lament the tribulations of being involved with beautiful women with expensive tastes. Trey contributes a verse about dealing with insincerity complete with a line about racing a Ferrari, which he confirmed he owns four of (in Grand Theft Auto). The song revolves around what Ward considers the ultimate balance between self-confidence and style: white Crocs. The lyrics aren’t excessively sophisticated or complex (Ward claims to hate his lyrics), but they ride the aura of the production perfectly.
9. Slide (2019)
This isn’t the first time Ward flirts with rapping (he focused on rap early in his career), but it is the most refined hip-hop entry to his catalog. Balanced by lustful vocals, he’s as confident as ever as he raps over a heavy drum machine beat about a passionate situationship, irreverently detailing a late-night sneaky link. Just to remind you of his versatility, he slows the beat down and closes the song with a dreamy outro.
8. IDC (with Joony) (2022)
After Ward featured on Maryland artist Joony’s “ZOOM ZOOM” in 2022, the duo ran it back later that year for FORWARD’s first single about moving on and not caring (anymore). At less than two minutes, they keep it short and sweet. Joony’s mellow sound compliments Ward's lively energy, making for a track that you can’t help but dance along with.
7. Sandiego (2019)
Although I probably should have learned better by now, if I had to, I would categorize this ballad as R&B infused retro-pop. With an emotional melody, nostalgic acoustics, and cheery synths, Ward imbues the song with soul. Produced by Arin Ray and hip-hop elder statesman No I.D., the track captures the “warm familiar energy” Ward so fondly sings about.
6. Player Two (From “Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead”) (2024)
On the heels of a remarkable 2023, Ward is showing no signs of stopping with his second single of 2024 (the first being a Spotify Singles cover of “Waiting in Vain”). This feel-good jam further proves that Ward is unstoppable alongside Mayer Hawthorne, who also produced Lil Baby Crush. With a groovy baseline and an upbeat hook, the song’s energy is contagious and probably the best part of the re-make of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.
5. soLong (2019)
As soon as the bassline and thumping drums kick in, Ward gets right into it. He’s in his groove, vocal range on full display, as he balances braggadocio with introspection. It’s a classic reflection on the tribulations of success: fake friends, lofty expectations, heartbreak, being changed by fame. Ward is living his dream, but he isn’t satisfied. “I hope I make my mark with this shot in the dark,” he contemplates. He still has a legacy to leave with his music.
4. Okok (Hibachi) (2019)
A mellow, romantic opener for his LP Valley Hopefuls (and the project’s most popular song), Ward sets the tone for his laid-back project. It’s a contemplation on love and finding joy in simple moments. As nebulous as the term is, it’s one of those songs that’s just a vibe. The production feels like a prelude to the sound that Ward and Lido go on to curate, and it showcases the smooth sound and melodies that make Ward’s music stand out.
3. SIDEKICK (with Joyce Wrice) (2023)
This track is irresistible. R&B songstress Joyce Wrice delivers the standout feature of FORWARD and my favorite of Ward’s collaborations. It’s as lively as it is catchy, and it highlights their shared musical talent. There is no lack of chemistry between Wrice and Ward, which elevates this duet. The lyrics encapsulate the excitement and spontaneity of young love, and Ward’s readiness for whatever adventure lies is symbolic of the album’s theme.
2. Lil Baby Crush (2021)
Combining the talents of producers Lido and Mayer Hawthorne, “Lil Baby Crush” is a sonic fusion of Ward’s discography. The standout track from his EP Remain Calm, it marks the departure from the mellow Valley Hopefuls sound by blending Lido’s soft electronic R&B with Hawthorne’s pop punch. A crowd-pleasing go-to whenever I am on aux, it’s an upbeat, summery song with romantic lyrics and an intoxicating melody. What else could you ask for?
1. FAMJAM4000 (2023)
The magnum opus of Jordan Ward’s budding career, it's as musically uplifting as it is lyrically meaningful, and in this synergy, Ward shines. He is at his best when heartfelt lyrics and majestic production complement his incredible voice. This track is all about family. After all, FORWARD also means “for Ward”, a dedication to his family. “Yeah I could be all around the world/but without family, it doesn’t mean anything,” Ward croons, hoping to recapture the feeling of home. The track is a spectacle, with trumpets joining the groovy synths as the song crescendos before a key switch and Ward belts out the chorus a final time. If I have one shot to make you a Jordan Ward fan, I have the utmost faith in “FAMJAM4000”.
edited by Aidan Burt.
artwork by James Kim.