Hallowed haunting masculine vocals morph into Banks’ cat call to a man who would “love her better if she couldn’t screw.” Her third single off sophomore album The Altar proves to be just as honest as the rest. Banks writes on Twitter, saying, “I’m excited to share this with you. Writing it was a really important step for me in making this album…It makes me feel exposed putting it into the universe but see me now.” Her final words hint at the chorus of “Games” where the angst-y crooner sings, “Do you see me now?” Empowering electronics blend the harsh themes into a beautiful ballad you can’t help but love.
“CRZY” kicked off the summer of Kehlani. I found myself playing it over and over. The sassy verses; “Everything I do, I do it with a passion, if I gotta be a bitch, I’mma be a bad one,” and thudding beat make you crank the bass and roll the windows down. The single artwork features what looks to be a cartoon version of the singer with one hand grabbing her opposite shoulder. A pair of brass knuckles is seen on her fingers. A grappling sense of independence makes Kehlani a bad ass in the R&B genre.
She later released the sultry and sweet, “Distraction” where she asks the question, “Are you down to be a distraction, baby?” Then accompanies hip/hop-rapper Belly on his track, “You.” A saucy duet between two lovers as they talk about sex, passion, and getting faded thinking about each other. Belly recites, “All about you, all about you…” over and over as Kehlani serves some serious sauce.
Just when you thought she couldn’t get hotter, a contribution to the Suicide Squad soundtrack put her back on the charts again. “Gangsta” is a hauntingly beautiful song about the intoxicating love that blinds two people. Her fairy-like vocals sing, “I need a gangsta, to love me better, than all the others do, to always forgive me, ride or die with me.” The lyrics are evil villain-worthy, while the backing music keeps the same dark powerful theme.
Accessory Must: Dior So Real sunnies with light blue tinted frame
Image: sunsetintherearview.com
“Ocean Eyes” is just that; a romantic blue hued ode to love. “Can’t stop staring at those ocean eyes,” utters newcomer Billie Eilish. Her nonchalant syllables and steady quick tap beat make you wish you were in love. She highlights the beauty of falling in love with someone through the eyes to the soul. That’s a deep theme from a 14-year-old girl. Eilish recently told Vogue her brother wrote “Ocean Eyes”; “He came into my room in October of last year to tell me he had this song called “Ocean Eyes.” He’d been doing it with his band before, but of course I’d heard it because I was right next door. I sang it, and we both loved it.” She went on to say, “I loved it and I couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks.” A poetic homage to love painted by a 14-year-old, how amazing is music?
Bieber fever is coming back in full swing. This time it’s with DJ Snake for his new album Encore. The pop stars’ sensual voice sways into a pulsing chorus, reminiscent of Snake’s collab with Major Lazer, “Lean On.” Bieber sings, “Don’t you give up now, I won’t give up now, let me love you, let me love you,” in a pleading voice you can’t help but succumb to. The solid mix of relaxation and snap happy undertones make you feel glowed and happy. DJ Snake has mixed “Let Me Love You” to succeed across several genres.
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