Whew! We did it. We made it to the weekend and luckily we have new music to help us take our minds off of this past week.
"MORE" - JULIA CANNON
Julia Cannon just released a whimsical folk song titled “More”. It’s the perfect follow up to her previous song, “The Shore”. “More” starts off with Cannon’s soothing, pretty vocals on top of a simple guitar melody. The song is quickly elevated by the addition of a stunning violin. The chorus is an absolute ear worm as she sweetly sings “I love you more / I love you more / I love you more / I do”. “More” perfectly demonstrates not only her knack for songwriting but also her strength as a producer. All of her music so far has been self-produced “out of love for the craft and necessity.”
Make sure to also check out the music video which also dropped today. Both song and video are likely to warm anyone’s heart.
"HAIRCUT" - AMINDI
Smooth lines over a bass-heavy track, Amindi’s “haircut” is the chill, self-love track we need in our lives. “haircut” opens with an infectious drumbeat and Amindi’s emotive humming, you just know this song is going to be a vibe. The chorus kicks in right away as she melodically sings, “I got my haircut/ told my guy to fade the sides/ just got my lashes filled/assentuate my eyes”. Amindi wants you to know that it’s okay to mack on yourself. In a digital age where we’re too quick to compare ourselves to others and hate what we see in the mirror, “haircut” reminds us that it’s important to practice self care and to love yourself unapologetically.
If you’re interested in learning more about Amindi, check out our feature on her in our Black Music Month Series.
"HEAVEN IS REAL" - SAINT BODHI
Saint Bodhi’s honest storytelling is front-in-center with her latest track “Heaven Is Real” as we dive deeper into her experiences growing up in South Central. The production itself is pared down to really highlight the lyrics. Even though the imagery is dark, the song itself is optimistic as she raps/sings “them scars on your back shows the strength of your fight” and “I know, I know, I know it hurts but you’ll be okay (be okay) / I know I know that you’ll find another way (another way)”. “Heaven Is Real” is featured in episode 6 of Def Jam’s podcast “Here Comes The Break”, a groundbreaking podcast sparking real conversations about creativity, mental health, friendship, family, hope, and music.
It’s raw lyricism like this that keeps us coming back for more. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for the rest of 2021.
Speaking of more, if you want to learn more about Saint Bodhi, check out our feature on her music in our Black Music Month Series.
MOMENTS IN BETWEEN - RUTH B.
The 4 year long wait is finally over. Ruth B has returned with her sophomore album, Moments In Between. The album is a snapshot of the life she’s lived in those years while also celebrating those little moments in between that often go overlooked.
The album opens with “Princess Peach” where Ruth B defiantly singing that she’d rather be her own hero. It’s an anthem that really sets the tone for the record. “Holiday” is a more laid back song with a captivating drumbeat. This track could easily be another single. “Situation” is definitely an album highlight as she describes the uncertainty that happens in relationships when there’s a lack of communication and transparency. Her light vocals shine as she sings the bridge: “If you love me, let me know /or let me go/let me go or let me know”.
“Die Fast”’s production is reminiscent of Regina Spektor’s “Fidelity”. It’s catchy and quirky as Ruth B. sings about a relationship that won’t end no matter how hard you try. “Dirty Nikes” really demonstrates how she’s continued to grow as a songwriter and as a storyteller. She captures the feeling of seeing something as ordinary as an old pair of Nikes and being reminded of a person.
The album ends with “Share”, a gorgeous piano ballad with even more gorgeous harmonies. Ruth B. excels at crafting relatable, thoughtful lyrics such as “Bullets and doubt / They’re both the same / if they come too close” and “I miss the days when I didn’t know my left from my right”. It’s the perfect album closer to an album that was well worth the 4 year wait.