Author: Marcus Adetola

23-year-old UK artist Songer’s Wide Awake is a bracing sonic experience that oscillates between the euphoric and the introspective. From the outset, the track’s sharp, bouncy vibe collides with rich, dynamic overtones and punchy 808s, ushering listeners into a harmonious balance where Songer’s innovative artistry takes centre stage. Nostalgia deftly interweaves with innovation as the lyrics explore themes of escapism, introspection, and the dichotomy between external socialisation and internal mental struggles. Songer’s candid lyricism navigates this duality with finesse, inviting contemplation while maintaining an infectious energy that propels the track forward. About midway through, the beat unexpectedly mutates, swapping its hard-hitting…

When J. Cole unexpectedly dropped his “Might Delete Later” mixtape on April 5th, 2024, few could have predicted the seismic impact of the closing track, 7 Minute Drill. With surgical precision, Cole took aim at his once-friend and forever rival Kendrick Lamar in one of the most lyrically impressive and emotionally charged diss tracks in recent memory. For the unindoctrinated, the tensions between the two superstar MCs had been simmering for years, bubbling up with Kendrick’s thinly-veiled shots at Cole and Drake on the recent single “Like That.” But most assumed their unique combination of mutual respect and competitive drive would…

Eden Rain’s Closer casts an enchanting spell, immersing you in a sonic prism where vulnerability finds solace amidst ethereal soundscapes. This soft indie pop offering weaves a mesmerising tapestry, intertwining introspective lyricism with atmospheric instrumentation and dreamy harmonies that linger like an infectious melody. As the guitar-laden production unfolds, you find yourself enveloped in a sonic tapestry woven with intricate textures and melancholic hues. Eden’s unvarnished vocals, imbued with emotional depth, become the guiding force, leading you through the intricate labyrinth of grief and the restorative power of comfort. What elevates Closer beyond mere sonic gratification is its ability to…

Listening to Summer Salt’s Poolside feels like being whisked away to a sun-drenched oasis where love blossoms amidst carefree melodies and breezy rhythms. Poolside is a sonic elixir that encapsulates the essence of lazy summer days spent basking in the warmth of cherished company, celebrating the profound beauty found in life’s fleeting moments. The track opens with a laid-back vibe with instrumentation that instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia and beachy escapism. The guitar work, reminiscent of classic surf rock, weaves bright chords and reverb-laden riffs that conjure images of sandy beaches and crashing waves. A bouncy bassline adds a…

Luna Keller strips away the artifice and confronts life’s harsh realities head-on in her latest song, Not Ready, crafting a powerfully raw and unflinchingly honest exploration of her personal struggles with depression. This haunting track serves as the latest chapter in Keller’s “Ocean Inside of Me” concept album, a sonic journey that plunges fearlessly into the murky depths of mental illness. Not Ready captures a pivotal moment in Luna’s narrative: the wrenching realisation of just how deep her inner turmoil runs and the life-altering decision to break her silence and seek help. Keller doesn’t mince words here; the lyrics hit…

Many songs aim to encapsulate the complexities of the human experience, yet few resonate with the profound authenticity of Damn Cisco’s Hearts (Let It Go). The gentle guitar plucks and soulful vocals blend together in this track, creating a sonic kaleidoscope that evokes a bittersweet reverie filled with euphoria and haunting regret, enveloping you in a warm embrace. Just as you surrender to the introspective musings, the drums surge in, lifting the track from the depths of contemplation with an upbeat, melodic chorus—a cathartic release akin to breaking the surface after submerging too deep. The lyrics, penned with raw vulnerability,…

In April 2018, a haunting duet crept into the world: Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khalid. Released as part of the 13 Reasons Why: Season 2 soundtrack, this emotive track quickly resonated with listeners grappling with their own inner turmoil. The Making of Lovely Billie, Khalid, and Billie’s brother and producer, Finneas, crafted Lovely in Billie’s bedroom. As Finneas recounted, “The three of us wrote this together in my tiny little bedroom. Just like we always do.” This intimate setting birthed raw, vulnerable lyricism exploring depression and loneliness. Finneas built the stark production around Billie and Khalid’s “beautiful voices and the piano” they…

Take Your Time (I’ll Be Alright), a musical piece by Paradi$e, intricately weaves together disparate threads in a harmonious manner. This artistic endeavour finds its beating heart in the brilliant minds of duo Paul Tonks and Humberto Santos, who join forces with the rising star Geneva Lei. Their vision combines the rich textures of classic R&B with a soulful groove, infused with catchy melodies and a rich production value. The strums of an electric guitar slice through the soulful ambiance right from the intro, punctuated by velvety vocals that envelope you. In stark contrast, rap-like verses interject as a dynamic…

Oritsé Williams takes you on a rhythmic joyride with his latest groove-infused gem, Language. It’s a seductive piece, ushering you into the zone where melodies and lyrics intertwine in an intoxicating dance of desire and connection. The first notes sweep you into a vortex of genre-bending bliss. Williams has concocted a potent brew he calls “Afro-Island,” a delirious fusion of Afrobeat and Island grooves that’ll have your hips swaying and your soul soaring in euphoric abandon. With its lyrics, language explores the depths of human emotion and experience. With each verse, Oritsé Williams evokes feelings of raw vulnerability and unabashed…

Hua Li 化力 isn’t one to mince words or play by conventional rules. The enigmatic “half-Chinese, half-militant, half-rapper of your heart” delves into the turbulent realms of love, self-awareness, and emotional tug-of-war on her latest single, Whip Around. Stripped of generic tropes and predictable songwriting crutches, this track weaves a captivating narrative through its mid-tempo melancholy piano arrangements and smooth retro hip-hop grooves. Hua Li’s distinct sultry vocal runs and emotion-stirring songwriting create an infectious ambient world, one that teeters between vulnerability and defiance. Her lyrics confront the complexities of turbulent relationships with raw honesty: “I’m that fish that leaps…