Willow Smith has struck gold yet again with “Lately I Feel Everything.” With its pop-punk musical influences and driving beats, the album is alternately in-your-face and reflective. In previous outings such as “The 1st,” her R&B influences are apparent, but “Lately I Feel Everything” is a refreshing change from her previous outings.

One track that enjoyed success on the radio and on streaming services was “Transparent Soul,” featuring Travis Barker of Blink-182 on drums. The track was inspired by a quote from Hindu guru Radhanath Swami. The song explores the concept of fake versus real friends and seeing life for what it really is.

Some other tracks that stand out are “Don’t Save Me,” “Lipstick” and “G R O W.”

“Don’t Save Me” benefits from its driving beat and guns-a-blazing guitars. It is also worth noting that Smith’s mother, Jada Pinkett-Smith fronted a nu-metal band called Wicked Wisdom. The Wicked Wisdom influences are apparent throughout the album, but they are especially apparent in “Don’t Save Me.”

“Lipstick” stands out in that beyond its instrumentation, Smith sings about her relationships with others and herself.

“G R O W,” featuring pop-punk goddess Avril Lavigne, sounds as if it belongs in a 2000’s teen movie. In the track, Smith and Lavigne sing about growing as human being and maturing.

Overall, “Lately I Feel Everything” is a triumph. It is a far cry from “Whip My Hair” and it shows a much more mature Willow. Not only does it show Willow’s growth, but it has also opened doors for more representation of Black and Indigenous people of color in rock music (the art form that black artists created, mind you). Willow is a role model for artists everywhere.