In August 2022, Lennox released her second album Age/Sex/Location through rapper J. Cole's Dreamville Records and Interscope. The album was well received by critics, who highlighted its thoughtful songwriting, classic soul and jazz nods, strong features, and comparisons to artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Roberta Flack.[1] It opened and peaked at number 69 on the US Billboard 200 and reached the top 20 of the UK Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart, and produced the two number-one hits on the US Adult R&B Songs chart, including "Pressure" and "Waste My Time."[2] On 24 April 2025, Lennox officially parted ways with Dreamville after months of conflict, remaining signed to Interscope Records, having repeatedly voiced public frustration over the label's failure to promote her work as she envisioned, particularly citing the lack of promotion for her 2024 single "Smoke."[3][4]
AllMusic editor Andy Kellman remarked that "all of the standouts are both of a piece with Lennox's catalog and distinctive. The same goes for the material that isn't entirely loved up [...] The more pop-flavored moments, none of which seem like concessions, are best when they have a hint of prime Mariah Carey.[5] Tallie Spencer from HotNewHipHop remarked that the "project spans 15 tracks and consists of a sultry, mood-rich collection that blends soul, R&B, and late-night introspection. With rich vocals and warm production, [Lennox] builds on her reputation for blending personal storytelling with lush arrangements, giving listeners a body of work that feels both intimate and expansive. Vacancy continues her evolution as one of contemporary R&B’s most expressive voices."[10]
Writing for NME, Oumar Saleh called the album Lennox' "most inviting record to date," adding thath "the album’s pleasures are tactile and immediate, the kind of R&B built for dim lights and late-night texts. If the genre is perpetually caught between nostalgia and novelty, then Vacancy thrives by living in the present."[7] Vrinda Jagota from Pitchfork found that Vacancy was "rooted in experience and features the most skillful vocal performances of Lennox’s career, highlighting her attention to mood and the patience with which she builds toward runs that feel like falling in love. Still, sometimes the songs feel like they’re trapped in amber, with emotion muted and songwriting that verges on repetitive."[8] Writing for The Guardian, Shaad D'Souza called Vacancy Lennox' "loosest and most fun outing yet." He felt that "on her third LP, Lennox balances jazz-soaked tradition with flashes of unruly humour and a surefire viral hit [...] The sheer ease with which she performs on Vacancy suggests there’s plenty of road ahead."[6]
Commercial performance
Vacancy debuted at number 172 on the US Billboard 200 and number 25 on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart.[11][12] It marked Lennnox' first album to miss the upper half of the Billboard 200.[11]
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