We often do whatever we can to escape sadness. No one truly wants to sit in it. With her new single “Blue (For Now)” Erez Zobary explores the healing qualities of letting yourself feel blue co-aligned with an understanding that sinking into that emotion will allow for catharsis on the other side.
R&B
Why We Like It: Khamari’s “Jealous”
Pursuing a goal you’ve set your mind on requires some sacrifice. Khamari might be “Jealous” of the time his friends spend going out but, as he sings: “Mama said shut your eyes enjoy the ride, cuz nothing good ever happens overnight.”
Why We Like It: Kelsey’s “Middle School”
R&B singer Kelsey really shows us how she uses her voice as an instrument on new single “Middle School.” Lyrically her song is warm and inviting, but really excels in the evolving sound of her voice. In an interesting combination, her hums and vocal layering completes the instrumental production.
Why We Like It: Kai Straw’s “Imagination”
“Imagination” is rich and endless. In a space where creativity has no boundaries, Kai Straw has spun a world with soul music where he can live with the memories of an ex in fantasy where the good memories aren’t tainted by the pain of reality.
Why We Like It: Hydie Humble’s “Barcelona”
A muse and a storyteller, as Hydie Humble sings her words are whisked into the ether as gently as they were delivered. “Barcelona” is less of a love tale and more of genuflection on love itself and the decisions we make when nothing else is on our mind.
Why We Like It: August Charles’ “Take Me Away”
On “Take Me Away,” August Charles offers a trade. Steal him away from his pain and in return he’ll borrow your ears and take your breath. Comprised only of a single piano and vocalist, Charles summons the energy of acts like John Legend and Elton John with the soulful punch of Marvin Gaye.
Why We Like It: Nyah Grace’s “I Just Wish You’d Call Me”
Sultry R&B sensibilities mixed with trap influenced production makes a hell of a single. On “I Just Wish You’d Call Me” 18-year-old Nyah Grace fills a big song with a big voice. The dynamic between her voice and the instrumentation is fluid and elegant.
Why We Like It: Benjamin A.D’s “Oxytocin”
The tension of “Oxytocin” is thick. The harmonic lamenting of Benjamin A.D betrays the deep yearning of a connection that feels one-sided. His vocals grasp the edges of each line with passion, it’s effortless to fall into the tragedy he unravels.
Why We Like It: Foire’s “OUTTA ORDER”
You, yes you reading this. Stop hitting on women when you got a girlfriend. R&B singer Foire brings her opinions on unfaithful men to “OUTTA ORDER” with well polished vocals full of passion. Her pen is as sharp as her critique and the well-layered production accents her best qualities.
Why We Like It: Shadp.’s “Great Escape” Ft. Hookz Murdock
It’s described as “R&B with a hip-hop bounce,” but “Great Escape” could just as easily be “hip-hop with an R&B sheen.” Shadp. and Hookz Murdock spin a too familiar tragedy of love lost but the resulting three-and-a-half minutes feel like they could undo a lifetime of pain.
