Joy Crookes is back, and she’s not mincing her words. Her new single, Pass The Salt, featuring none other than Vince Staples, is a bold re-entry for the South London artist. This sharp-tongued track is the first glimpse of what promises to be a big 2025 for Joy.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Joy shared, “Pass the Salt is about a woman I know vaguely, who is nothing short of an arsehole, who got jealous and started spreading rumours about me. The song is basically me squaring up (musically) and being like, ‘ok bitch if you have something to say, come say it to my face.'”
It’s a deliciously cutting sentiment, delivered with the polished sophistication Joy fans have come to adore. The bass-heavy production complements her fiery lyrics, while Vince Staples’ guest verse elevates the track with his signature smooth delivery.
This is Joy’s first new music since Skin, her 2021 debut that landed at number five on the UK Official Charts, earning her a Mercury Prize nod and multiple BRIT nominations. Critics hailed Skin as a masterpiece, with The Guardian describing it as “a masterclass,” and NME calling it “a masterful study of a young woman reckoning with her transition to adulthood.”
But Joy isn’t interested in simply repeating past successes. With Pass The Salt, she shows a refined sound and sharper edge, proving her time away wasn’t idle. She’s spent the last three years crafting music that reflects her growth while keeping the intimate, playful spirit that made her debut resonate so deeply.
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- 2025 Music
- British Artists
- Joy Crookes
- New music
- Pass The Salt
- Skin Album
- South London
- UK Soul
- Vince Staples