John Alone‘s latest single, Make Money, is a striking R&B tune that flawlessly melds deep, introspective lyricism with a rich, atmospheric soundscape. The song takes a critical yet nuanced look at capitalism and the pervasive hustle culture that has seeped into every corner of our society.
The opening introduces us to the central motif of the song: “Cash is king, so we don’t ever work for free, no more.” Alone’s voice is smooth and compelling, drawing the listener in with its captivating rhythm. The line sets the stage for the critique that unfolds throughout the rest of the song—a critique of the all-consuming pursuit of money at the expense of personal freedom and self-worth.
One of the standout elements of Make Money is its irresistible hook. The song borrows a sample from John Reuben’s “Make Money Money,” a clever nod that not only strengthens the song’s central theme but also adds an extra layer of sonic appeal.
The verses are equally as compelling as the bridge and hook, each painting a vivid picture of the lifestyle that Alone critiques. The first verse speaks of the pressures of living in a society where one’s value is often equated with their wealth: “There’s money on your mind tonight! There’s money in the function.”
The second verse introduces a more personal perspective, with Alone recounting a conversation with a woman whose lifestyle embodies the capitalist ethos he critiques: “She caught a glimpse of how I’m looking at her lifestyle where we are / She said, Baby, this a lifestyle where we are.'”
The chorus then drives home the song’s central message: “Make money fore they take it from you / Spend money money, spend money. So the world adore you.” These lines encapsulate the catch-22 of capitalism: the pressure to make and spend money to gain societal approval, but also the fear of losing it all.
Make Money also raises the question of identity in the face of materialism. “Who are you when the cash runs out and the girls all gone?” Alone asks, posing a direct challenge to the listener to consider their own values beyond the superficial markers of success.
With its profound lyricism and evocative soundscape, Make Money is a song that is as thought-provoking as it is catchy. It’s a summer hit with substance, a track that doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions while keeping you hooked with its infectious rhythm. John Alone has proven once again that he’s not just an artist but a poet, a critic, and a voice for a generation grappling with the realities of capitalism in a rapidly changing world.
