Jordan Ward Moves in Reverse on New Album BACKWARD

passdaaux
Jan 30
2 min read

St. Louis singer-songwriter Jordan Ward is officially stepping into his next era. Today, he drops his highly anticipated sophomore album BACKWARD via ARTium Recordings / Interscope Records — a project that flips reflection into momentum and proves Ward is only getting more confident, fluid, and fearless with every release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHv63gIGmEI

Executive produced by Lido, BACKWARD finds Jordan linking up with a sharp lineup of collaborators including SAILORR, Smino, and TiaCorine. To celebrate the release, he’s also unveiled a music video for album standout “THEMSELVES,” an upbeat, feel-good cut that captures the project’s playful spirit.

“THEMSELVES” Video: Effortless, Loose, and Locked-In

Shot in an apartment parking lot, the “THEMSELVES” visual feels equal parts spontaneous and precise. Jordan glides in and out of formation with dancers as his band plays behind him, showing off the natural ease that’s become his signature. The video follows last week’s stripped-back COLORSxSTUDIOS performance of opening track “STRANGER,” which spotlighted the warmth and control in his voice with zero distractions.

The Road to BACKWARD

Fans have been easing into this era through a run of standout singles: the introspective “CHAMPION SOUND,” the hazy and heartfelt “SMOKIN POTNA” featuring SAILORR, and “JUICY,” a smooth meditation on peace, growth, and settling into yourself. Leading up to the album, Jordan also covered YAMS Magazine, hosted an intimate A Night In With Jordan Ward experience in Atlanta, and shared more about his journey toward BACKWARD in a candid video interview.

Taking BACKWARD on the Road

Jordan will bring the album to life next month on The Apartment Tour, kicking off February 18 in Vancouver and hitting major cities across North America before heading overseas to the UK and Europe. Select dates will feature support from Asha Imuno, Nate Curry, Nali, and Planet Giza.

Looking Back to Move Forward

BACKWARD arrives on the heels of Jordan’s critically acclaimed debut FORWARD, which landed on 2023 best-album lists from Rolling Stone, NPR, Complex, and UPROXX. Since then, he’s earned an Outstanding New Artist nomination at the NAACP Image Awards, performed at the BET Experience, and toured globally alongside J.I.D and Smino — setting the stage for this next chapter.

With BACKWARD, Jordan Ward isn’t retracing steps — he’s reframing them. The result is a vibrant, self-assured album that feels lived-in, intentional, and unmistakably his.