We’re always in the process of relearning the same lessons. For most of us, growing up is about unpacking, unlearning, then re-learning a set of repeated themes. And through each stage of our life, we see them differently and understand them more clearly. We might even think we’re done. Checked healing off the list and moved on — until, as we inevitably change, yet another version of these challenges confronts us.

It might seem Sisyphian, but in Jordan Rakei’s latest release, The Loop, it’s satisfying, too.

For Rakei, The Loop is largely about parenting — not just his young son, but also understanding his parents, his own role as a parent, and parenting his inner child. The latter, tending to that tender child inside of you, is not a new theme in his work. In previous albums like Wallflower, Origin, and What We Call Life, he has approached versions of this theme in a variety of contexts. But now, as a parent himself, Rakei reflects on his own boyhood with fresh eyes with The Loop.

Context, for an artist like Rakei, is what makes an album a cohesive project. He wants you to listen to it from top to bottom — which is why, for the most part — the singles appear at the top of the album. The album moves through styles and moods with the dexterity of an artist as prolific as Rakei, but still feels refreshingly novel, even to devoted fans.

His sound, honed through years as a songwriter and producer on his various projects and collaborations, is as distinct and daring as ever. From groovy hooks to R&B-inspired melodies, The Loop is both a continuation and a return to form — sonically and lyrically. We hear echoes of the artist’s younger self as he excavates from the familiar influences that inspired his first EPs. But this time with the mastery he’s gained in the years between.

The titular “Loop”, then, seems to be about reflection and recognition. It’s a nod to our past and present selves. It’s Rakei’s own journey back to himself through others. In some ways, this is a love album. Indeed, the lead single “Flowers” is about love. But the emotion transcends interpersonal and romantic relationships to reflections on love for each other, for our communities, and for ourselves. It’s the love for a child — the one you used to be and the ones we’re all leaving this world to.

But don’t think it’s hokey or saccharine. If The Loop is a mirror, Rakei is holding it up to the world. “We’re all just trying to do our best,” he tells me. Part of that is accepting the darker, more vulnerable parts of ourselves and others. The hopeful and uplifting moments are grounded by heavier ruminations on pain, trauma, fear, and doubt. Yet, these meditative moments feel just as earned as the more upbeat segments. The Loop is out in the world but Rakei has so much more coming this year. He was recently appointed the inaugural ‘Artist in Residence’ at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. This first-of-its-kind appointment promises to birth thrilling, groundbreaking collaborations.