Welcome to the World by Jenny Nagy

Welcome to the World, is the eleventh (11th) studio album by American-Hungarian singer and actress Jenny Nagy, her first album since This Is All About Me, released in 2015. The album was recorded in 2019 with the help of several producers. Nagy played a more significant part in playing instruments in comparison with her previous albums. For the first time, her long time manager Ron Jones became regularly involved with production of songs. Additionally, husband and mega-star John Raymond was also keenly involved in some tracks.

Recording began on 4 January 2019, with a track titled "Love", the album was completed on 5 December. 

Basic facts

Released 1 May 2020

Recorded 4 January-5 December 2019

Studios 64 Sound Studio, Hollywood, California

              Anthem Recording Studio, Plano, Texas 

              Audacity Recording Studios, Hollywood, Florida

Genres Pop, rock, hip-hop

Length 52:11

Label Sony

Producers Various 

Overview

Nagy had several themes in mind while making the songs, around mid-2019, she officially decided that she would make four albums that would centre around serious topics, all while still having a pop sound. 

Of the 14 tracks in the standard version, "The Moment I Treasure" was the first to be created, recorded on 1 February and having been written 2 weeks prior. 

On the 13th, "Choices You Make" followed. 

The title track "Welcome to the World" was written in May in honour of her then 1-year-old son Steve Smith-Nagy. 

"My life has changed for good ever since Steve came to our lives, we expect to be great inspirations for what's to come in the near future, for him and also for us". Nagy on interview with Rolling Stone on 5 May 2019.

"Here Come the Big Moments" was written around April and was inspired by various stories.

For the song "Again", it was decided that Skylar Grey would be appropiate to collaborate with. "I've been friends with Eminem since 2000, and I met Skylar around 2008. I admire what she does, and I'd wanted to work with her since at least 2010 or 2012". I called Em to give me his thoughts on the song and the collaboration, he replied that he loved it and totally recommended that I do it. Needless to say, it was bold choice. 

"Have I Told You Lately?" was inspired by statements she'd heard throughout her life. World of Truth was writtten after having an intense dream. "Here for a Livin" and "Here We Come" were inspired by her family's moved to Hollywood at the start of 1993. "No Turning Back" got its inspiration from Nagy's personal experience in her early years in Hollywood, as well as having seen tons of serious movies and series. "Coolness" was thought of after listening to 90's rap songs during a recording break. 

"No Doubt" was thought of when recalling university experiences, and comparing them to a few that took place during her school years.

The track "Rapid Time" was ironically going to be a slow track, before co-writer Trevor Jakeman, suggested it would better as a fast track, reminiscent of several modern tracks. After realizing that he was right, he thought of including a rapper in the album. Since she had listened to Hotel Diablo, the week before, Nagy assumed that it was a good choice. Baker accepted the invitation and added his verse through a voice message. 

"We're Gonna Be There" was conceived as an attempt to recreate Carole King's "You've Got a Friend"; having listened to Childish Gambino's Feels Like Summer, and being impressed with his style after listen to his albums for roughly four hours. Nagy contaced Glover and accepted, a few days later, they worked on "We're Gonna Be There"

Reception

The album has been met with general acclaim, holding a 98% rating on allmusic.com. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, coincidentally the title track also debuted at #1, essentially signifying Nagy's big comeback to the spotlight as a singer.

Track listing

Standard edition

Note: Release of physical copies will be delayed because of the covid-19 pandemic.

1. Welcome to the World 4.39

2. No Turning Back 4.26

3. Choices You Make 3.19

4. Again (featuring Skylar Grey) 3.48

5. Have I Told You Lately? 4.09

6. Coolness 3.56

7. Rapid Time (featuring Machine Gun Kelly) 5.11

8. Here for a Livin' 4.22

9. The Moment I Treaure 6.08

10. We're Gonna Be There (featuring Childish Gambino) 3.35

11. Here Come The Big Moments 3.32

12. World of Truth 4.51

13. No Doubt 3.16

14. Here We Come 3.49