Journey Montana's 'Lucky Girl Syndrome' Is Gen Z's Love Letter to R&B: Album Review
With executive production from Camper, the "You" singer and All American actress now has an impressive debut album under her belt.
Following her 2023 Stargirl EP, Journey Montana returns with ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’- the debut album she penned herself.
In an interview with Whitney Marie of You Know I Got Soul, she gushed, “I can't wait for everybody to hear it. It's such a labor of love, and I’m just really proud of it.” More than just a personal milestone, ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’ is Montana’s tribute to the genre that shaped her as a Black woman. She pays homage to greats like Toni Braxton and Etta James, two artists on her list of inspirations.
The album’s biggest strength? Musicality. With Camper (Coco Jones, H.E.R.) handling executive production, ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’ is rich, textured, and completely sample-free. “He’s like a musical genius,” Montana says. “Half of it, he’s playing live himself.” That organic, concert-like feel makes this project an intimate experience—like a Tiny Desk performance unfolding in real time.
Standout Tracks
“Wait”
From the first few seconds, “Wait” sets the tone for the album with its confident, no-nonsense energy. Lyrically, it’s an anthem of self-assurance and emotional detachment:
"I’m not cocky, I’m just motivated / I got everyone who doubted f***** devastated."
Montana flexes her pen game here, blending raw storytelling with sharp delivery. It’s a song about moving forward—whether from heartbreak or self-doubt—and it does so with effortless swagger. If you’re asking me, this is easily the best track on the project.
“Vertigo”
Built around a haunting piano melody, “Vertigo” captures the struggle of self-discovery. Montana’s ethereal vocals and the swelling instrumentation transports listeners to a sold-out show where she’s commanding the stage while singing about the not-so-fun parts of life we all know so well.
"Where did the time go? It’s slipping through my fingers."
This track feels like a free fall—beautiful, chaotic, and impossible to resist.
“Journey”
In less than three minutes, Montana peels back some of the most important layers of her past: her childhood nickname, family trauma, and even a near-death experience at 16. It’s brutally honest yet beautifully delivered, making it one of the most emotionally charged songs on the album. At a time when mainstream R&B often prioritizes the club over catharsis, ‘Journey’ reminds us of the power in telling the full story.
Honorable Mention: “Lucky Girl Syndrome”
The album’s title track is an anthem of self-belief and serendipity.
"I’m just a lucky girl, things come kinda easy."
Is it manifestation? A flex? A little of both? Either way, Montana makes you believe in the magic of being that girl unapologetically.
Final Verdict
With ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’, Journey Montana delivers an album that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. Thanks to DJ Camper’s executive production, the entire project feels like a live performance happening in real time. Except for a couple of tracks that stray from this theme, the concert-esque energy makes for an immersive listening experience with barely any skips.
Montana and Camper are a match made in the VIP section of heaven. If this is just the beginning, R&B better make room.
Final Score: 9/10.
Listen to the full album below.