A whirlwind of transformation has swept through Samara Joy’s life over the past few years.
Her journey began with a debut album made during the pandemic, hitting the music scene in 2021, and marking her as a fresh jazz talent. By 2022, she had released another album called Linger Awhile, which helped her snag the Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at the Grammys. Despite these achievements, she felt it was time to pause and reflect. On Rolling Stone‘s show The Breakdown, she shared how creating her song “Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True” helped her stay grounded.
“Two years ago, I was releasing my second ever album, signing to a major label, experiencing life changes and career changes unlike anything I’d ever imagined,” Joy recalls. This album was her way to explore her purpose and question if she could still be herself as an artist without the spotlight. The track sits in the middle of her new album, Portrait, which just dropped.
Everyone knows life can change unexpectedly. Joy’s song asks listeners to think about how they deal with tough times. It’s the first time she’s openly shared her feelings about all the changes, posing a question about staying centered when everything shifts.
Fans sometimes find it hard to stay calm when life changes quickly.
Joy gained strength and support from the record, working with a team that helped bring it to life. She praises David Mason for his arranging, noting his clever use of bass lines. They give the song a unique flow and add richness with horn harmonies. As she sings, she builds up the confidence and hope she once lacked at the start of “Peace of Mind.”
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The song ends on a cliffhanger with Joy singing: "Sometimes you feel like giving up, but don’t ever lose hope. Just remember.” But remember what? She leaves it open-ended on purpose, wanting to focus on gratitude rather than searching for answers. This theme continues into "Dreams Come True," reminding herself not to get lost in the overwhelming process but to cherish its beauty.
