Grammy-nominated singer/song writer Alex Isley released her album, “When The City Sleeps,” anticipated follow up to her EP, “When,” which was released in 2025.
Serving as a continuation of “When,” this 15-track album maintains a consistent vibe blending of R&B, Soul and Jazz. What can be appreciated about Isley is the consistency of her body of work when it comes to her voice. She always showcases a smooth, airy falsetto sound that truly feels like a fairytale.
Released in February “Sweetest Lullaby” truly lives up to its title with a sound that is as gentle as its name.
Isley wants him to let her down easy if he has to live or leave. They both know the relationship isn’t going anywhere, but they both still continue to fool around anyway. But as long as he makes his exit sweet, she’ll continue to deal with it.
“Make it the sweetest lullabye, bye, bye/Make it the sweetest lullabye, bye, bye/ Make it the sweetest.”
But honestly, the way Isley sings it, it doesn’t sound like she’s talking about anything negative. She actually makes the breadcrumbing situation sound sweet.
“When The City Sleeps.” featuring James Fauntleroy is about not being able to sleep up thinking about him while everyone else is asleep. Isley and Fauntleroy are a perfect match vocally for this track. They can’t escape each other-even when they’re asleep, they show up in each other’s dreams.
It could be considered a mid-tempo track, but it still has a bop to it. Isley actually opens her voice more and projects more on this track, but when she sings in falsetto voice behind Fauntleroy, it sounds like heaven. Isley’s voice is very soothing, but yet still demands authority.
The tracks on this album all have one thing in common- the imagery that comes to mind from the very descriptive lyrics, especially on “Alone.” The song starts out with the verse, “Memories on my tongue/tasting what we’ve done.” She wants him alone and willing to do a lot to get him there.
This song has a slower start, but picks up during the chorus with the drums and high hats. It’s a nice contrast surprise for the song.
Isley truly delivered with this album. It is a great listen, not only because of the songs,but her voice-the control, the high notes, and the stamina. She makes it seem effortless.
Isley will also kick off her “When The City Sleeps 2026 North America Tour” on May 26 in Atlanta with other cities in Charlotte, Washington D.C., New York, Houston, and cities in California. The tour will conclude in Dallas on June 26.
Listen to “When The City Sleeps” by Alex Isley here:
About Alex Isley
As the daughter of Ernie Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers, music was in Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Alex Isley’s genes, blending Soul, R&B, Jazz, and dreamy soundscapes into a distinct style.
Born in New Jersey and raised in Los Angeles, she developed a deep love for music early, performing on stage at age five and later training at the LA County High School for the Arts and UCLA, where she studied Jazz; guided by her grandmother, an opera singer and vocal coach, she developed perfect pitch and refined her artistry. She released the Love/Art Memoirs EP in 2012 and her debut album Dreams In Analog in 2013, establishing a signature sound marked by lush vocals and calming production, while teaching herself music production at her mother’s encouragement.
