Don't Be Afraid of Love

Death Row Records’ Jenn Em leans fully into warm, throwback soul on “Don’t Be Afraid of Love,” a buoyant, ’70s-inspired groove built around a rubbery bassline, easygoing rhythm and a vocal performance that keeps the record light without making it disposable. Produced and written by Charlie Bereal, the song has the kind of skating-rink warmth that fits comfortably beside classic soul-funk without sounding like a forced nostalgia exercise, while Jenn Em sells its message of taking a chance on love with an understated confidence that makes the hook land.