Browsing Tag

90s RnB

‘Drift’ into euphony with Drew Dean’s Latest RnB Soul Serenade

Posted on 14 April 2024

Drew Dean’s latest single ‘Drift‘ tranquilly unravels as a celestial blend of soulful rhythms and ethereal melodies which pays homage to the 90s R&B aesthetic while boldly stepping into the future of the genre. Hailing from the vibrant shores of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dean’s journey in music, marked by a nomadic childhood and a rich West Indian heritage, culminates in this mesmerising track, which invites you to get lost in a lush tapestry of innovation.

Dean’s voice presents a paradox through the light luminescence of the register and the profound emotional depth it carries through the layers of R&B, Neo-Soul, Pop, and a hint of trappy hip-hop beats. Hit play and float in a dream-like state, unbound by the gravity of mundane reality.

The single’s cinematic quality makes it worthy of any Hollywood love story soundtrack, yet it retains an intimacy that feels like a love letter that anyone would want to muse. The testament to love’s divine nature and Dean’s execution is nothing short of angelic.

Dean’s influences, ranging from The Fugees to D’Angelo, resonate in his eclectic style, aptly termed ‘Eclectic Soul’. His background in church choirs and various international influences have clearly shaped his ability to create music that not only entertains but also touches the soul.

With ‘Drift’, Drew Dean solidifies his place in the evolving world of R&B, not just as a singer but as a visionary.

Stream the official music video for Drift, which premiered on March 22, on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Slip into the sheets of euphoria with Deshon Washington’s RnB hit, Stay the Night

Posted on 30 March 2024
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vR-XrlMrCA4&si=gZSTSk2_PROKWy_y

Take the time to slip away from the Weeknd and into the superlative RnB pop solace and soul which resounds in Deshon Washington’s standout single, Stay the Night. With one of the seamlessly smooth crescendos on the airwaves, the single erupts into a burst of affection-derived euphoria as the backbeat bolsters and the passion spilling from Washington’s vocal lines intensifies.

By building up from a tenderly caressive start and allowing the soundscape, which intertwines 80s, 90s, and contemporary RnB aesthetics, to ensue into a cascade of ardour, Stay the Night becomes so much more than a proclamation of passion from the Arkansas singer-songwriter. You almost get a first-hand experience of hitting the sheets with one of the most seductive artists on the scene when you hit play.

After cutting his teeth in the indie RnB scene for the past seven years, Deshon Washington’s time to dominate the charts is now. Following being cast on the Netflix series Sing On, earning his stripes as an international performer and a nomination for R&B Vocalist of the Year in 2023, we have no doubt that 2024 will be the year when he moves from criminally underrated to internationally acclaimed.

Stream Stay the Night on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Top supermodel Alana Monteiro brought style to the airwaves with her RnB meets dream-pop hit, Miss No More

Posted on 20 March 2024

Fuse wavy indie dream pop with swathes of contemporary appeal and Lynchian sonic cinematography, bed the synthesis into RnB roots, and you will be left with a hypnotic elixir which pours as deliciously as Alana Monteiro’s single, Miss No More.

The single unravels through the juxtaposition of lyrical vulnerability and the strident reclamation of power following a disempowering relationship that turned sour. The timbres in the track may run smooth, but there’s no putting out the fire Alana Monteiro started with her velvety luxe vocal lines that harness all the rage that is left in the ashes of a relationship that will never allow you to live up to your worth.

It’s a stunning release from the multi-faceted powerhouse of talent; when Alana Monteiro isn’t in the studio, she’s making waves in the fashion industry as a top supermodel who has made her way into the ranks of the top 100 black female models and acting in Emmy-award-winning films. Miss No More is definitive proof that her beauty is more than skin deep; it oozes from her soul into the lush production.

Stream the official lyric video for Miss No More which is slick with Burn Book-esque aesthetics and premiered on March 13 on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Toy Taha – Thrill is Gone: A Fiery Requiem for Lost Love

Posted on 12 March 2024

Following up on her debut LP, EIGHT, the Philadelphia native, Toy Taha confidently veered off RnB’s beaten track with her latest single, Thrill is Gone.

Instrumentally, the moody jazzy foray is reminiscent of what might happen if the Arctic Monkeys took a detour through the heart of RnB territory; the instrumentals melodiously flow, blending genres tied together by a luxe 90s twist, setting a stage for Taha’s voice to explore the emotional aftermath of a fleeting romance.

Taha’s vocal lines weave through the complexities of quick-to-burn passion and being left with the aftermath of deception. Her voice, cultivated from a rich tapestry of influences ranging from Shirley Murdoch to Whitney Houston, scathes with a raw intensity, smouldering with unresolved passion.

Thrill is Gone is a testament to her candid lyrical approach, she navigates the intricate dynamics of love and loss with a narrative depth that’s as compelling as it is relatable, resulting in a fully stylised emotional outpour that anyone in the same position can source catharsis from.

Thrill is Gone was officially released on February 23rd, check it out on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: London’s Thai chi Rosè embodied empowerment in the elegant serenity of her RnB single, Cumfort

Posted on 8 March 2024

Thai chi Rosè, London’s rising RnB sensation, has outdone herself with her latest single, ‘Cumfort’. The cultural tapestry weaves together the soulful echoes of the ’90s RnB era with the vibrant threads of her British Jamaican heritage, resulting in a masterpiece that resonates with a timeless yet contemporary beat.

‘Cumfort’ is a delicate balance of contrasts. Thai chi Rosè’s voice, soft yet powerful, wraps around the listener, while her British Jamaican accent adds an exotic flair to the track, making it stand out in today’s RnB landscape. It’s this unique blend of cultures and eras that gives ‘Cumfort’ its soul-stirring depth and appeal.

The track’s integration of Patois, while staying firmly rooted in RnB, is nothing short of revolutionary. It’s a bold statement in a genre that often leans towards the conventional. This daring move not only showcases Thai chi Rosè’s versatility as an artist but also her commitment to breaking new ground in the music industry.

For aficionados of RnB legends like Aaliyah, Mini Rippleton, and Adina Howard, ‘Cumfort’ is a refreshing nod to the past, yet it pulses with a modern, innovative spirit. It’s a track that demands to be heard and felt.

Thai chi Rosè’s journey, from hosting stage takeovers at prestigious festivals to her international campaign and TV features, is a testament to her growing influence in the music world. With ‘Cumfort’ and more sultry tracks on the horizon, she is an artist to watch.

Stream Cumfort on Spotify now.

Follow Thai chi Rosè on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Swedish Soul Pop Firebrand, Nadine Randle, Has a New Chart-Topper on Her Hands with ‘Man Up’.

Posted on 19 February 2024

Nadine Randle’s voice has proven to be one of the most magnetic of this era; each of her hits goes down a soulful storm on streaming platforms and in the charts; her latest single, Man Up, is no exception to that rule.

Man Up revolutionises the 90s RnB Pop vibe, with all of the firebrand swagger you’d expect from an artist musing through that stylistically influential epoch. Exuding the same empowering edge as the iconic likes of Destiny’s Child and TLC, the Swedish singer-songwriter delivered a fiery anthem that will speak to anyone who wants to regain their power after suffering through a relationship that was beneath them.

Even though the title of the single has a slight misandrist undertone, when you hit play and sink into the soulfully melodious grooves of the release, you will realise that Randle versed this earworm to deliver vindication hand over fist to the women that need an affirmation that settling for less than what you’re worth is a recipe for destruction and frustration.

Man Up was officially released on February 9th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Abeni embarked on a soulful journey between past and present with her seminal single, Better Days

Posted on 19 December 2023

Abeni tapped into the collective distaste for the present through the heartfelt expression in her single, Better Days, from the debut EP, Lesson Learned. The track is a poignant narrative that encapsulates the essence of nostalgia, introspection, and the deeply human tendency to yearn for days gone by.

Abeni, whose journey from a shy, music-averse child to a multifaceted artist, infuses Better Days with a depth that is both personal and universally relatable. The song is a lament on the present, a reflection of fear towards an uncertain future, and a longing to recapture the bliss of the past.

Sonically, Better Days is a masterful blend of genres. Abeni’s background, spanning from classical to jazz and pop, is evident in the way she weaves these influences into a soulful tapestry. The track is underpinned by grooves reminiscent of 90s R&B, yet it feels utterly contemporary. Her voice, rich and emotive, acts as a guiding light through the layers of sound, ensuring that the listener feels every ounce of the song’s emotional weight.

The song traverses the personal and the universal, touching on the collective desire to find solace in the past as we navigate an often-tumultuous present. It’s a testament to her skill as a songwriter and her sensitivity as an artist.

Abeni Mason-Draffen is not just a singer; she’s a storyteller, and her stories need to be heard. As she continues on her musical journey, one thing is certain: the future is bright for this talented artist.

Stream Abeni’s debut EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Let your body and soul talk with ANYAH’s latest RnB single, Last Night

Posted on 19 November 2023

ANYAH’s latest single, Last Night, is a testament to her ability when it comes to redefining the RnB genre with her sultry, multi-layered style that effortlessly intertwines the smooth, nostalgic vibes of old-school RnB with a vibrant Latino pop flair. Her Fil-Am heritage brings an intoxicating diversity to the track which echoes the soulful depths of Aaliyah, the raw emotion of Ashanti, and the rhythmic prowess of Janet Jackson, and transcends mere mimicry.

Educated in the performing arts, the singer-songwriter’s academic prowess shines through in her meticulous craft. Her multilingual vocal ability, spanning German, Italian, French, and Russian, adds a cosmopolitan monocultural mould-smashing sheen to her music, which goes a fair way in enhancing the emotional resonance and appeal of her work. Her background in dance manifests in the rhythmic pulse of Last Night, which guides the listener’s body and heart through a smooth narrative.

The single’s outro is a clever subversion, revealing the entire emotional journey the single took you on to be a voicemail, a twist that lingers in the mind long after the song ends. It is safe to say ANYAH is painting herself as one of the most promising artists in Orlando’s music scene, not just through her music but through her impressive and well-rounded artistry that promises even more depth and surprises in the future.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Emissary of Impassioned Nostalgia, Donnell Isaac Has Come Through with His Latest RnB Single, Through Love

Posted on 13 September 2023

If your 80s & 90s RnB playlists need a fresh kick of soul, the latest single, Through Love, from the emissary of impassioned nostalgia, Donnell Isaac, will deliver a potent shot of sweet sensuality.

The Portsmouth, Virginia-hailing singer-songwriter and composer allowed RnB fans to delve far deeper than Frank Ocean hits with the staunchly traditionalist track that reaches the epitome of cinematic soul.

Through Love, which explores the all-consuming gratitude love evokes, pays an ode to the celestial capacity of true love; in an era of superficial connection, the single is a testament to the rewards for romantic vulnerability. Between his Gospel-grown vocal lines and the arresting electric guitar solo towards the outro, Through Love efficaciously leaves the senses alight.

Through Love dropped on September 8th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lyra unleashed Medusa in their latest funk-pop-RnB alchemic amalgam.

Posted on 1 September 2023

With powerfully alluring vocals slipping into an amalgam of funk, pop and 90s RnB, the latest single, Medusa, from the London-hailing prodigal children of soulful experimentalism, Lyra, is a boundary-breaking triumph.

With vocal lines that are as resonant and sonorous as the timbres you would expect from Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus and intellectually enlivening lyricism bolstering the track that is rich with lush reverb, disco grooves, and rhythmic alchemy, Medusa is a track that could easily help Lyra make an even bigger mark on the RnB map. I mean, have you ever heard a stronger opening lyrical line than “I slept with my demons, they never called me back”?

Since forming in 2016, the outfit has brought its live sound to many of the most prestigious venues, including The Bedford, The Camden Assembly, and 99 Feet East; they have also received the Track of the Week accolade from BBC Introducing. We’re sure that even greater things await after Medusa is unleashed.

Medusa will be available to stream from the 1st of September; hear it via this link. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast