Ms. Harris: Lauryn Harris' Unapologetic Debut

Album Review by Leydi Gonzalez

Debut albums are always an exciting listen, and Houston’s own Lauryn Harris did just that on Ms. Harris. The Houston-based artist is one I have been following since 2022, and ever since I first saw her perform live, I was blown away by her smooth and warm vocals.

After multiple singles and EPs, Harris dropped her debut album on February 1st with an 11-track project and a 32-minute runtime. This album explores topics like self-discovery, love, and growth. I truly enjoyed the range of production and sounds throughout the album. It made for a smooth listening experience while also anticipating what sound would come next. Additionally, her album rollout has been amazing with her two lead singles “iTcH” and “Hmmm (There She Go)” establishing the direction of her album. 

In this project, she blends genres like R&B and is inspired by the Houston chopped and screwed sound. Songs like “Ms. Harris” and “Swang & Stroll” have moments that slow down and use sound effects that are so well known to Houston. One of my favorite lyrics is “It’s Ms. Harris to you,” due to the respect she is demanding for her craft. As a woman, it is important to take up space and be unapologetic about it.

Another highlight track is “Broken Velcro Heart,” as she also taps into the jazz genre. Throughout this song, she sings about a broken heart and how love does not seem to be working out. Toward the end of the song, she begins to scat. To me, this is so refreshing, as we see artists like Samara Joy and Laufey reintroducing the genre of jazz to newer generations and blending it with a younger crowd.

Lauryn Harris is a Houston artist who is bound to make waves across the music scene, and this is only the beginning for her. If you enjoy smooth vocals, relatable stories, and great production, go check out her debut album Ms. Harris!

For more on Lauryn Harris, follow her on Instagram @laurynharris_.