[ad_1]
Very similar to Sia, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran, and plenty of others earlier than her, Linnea Södahl -better often called Nea– acquired her begin writing songs for different folks, a spot she occupied seemingly with consolation for a time, a lot so in reality that her lyrics have resulted in properly over 2.5 Billion streams throughout all tracks… how to not make the leap and put a face over that wellspring of songwriting proficiency?
Nea’s flip to the microphones got here in 2019 with the discharge of the unrequited love anthem “Some Say”, which made it onto almost each high 20 charts in Europe together with two primary spots, and 4 years later, after some intense preparation and a journey into the guts of her personal artistry, Nea is lastly releasing her debut album, merely titled: “Clear”.
The title feels becoming in a variety of methods -She confesses the album is deliberately extra uncooked and fewer polished than her earlier work- however notably within the sense that she’s come into her personal, now not standing behind different individuals who embody her songs. Because the title implies, “Clear” is all about uncooked honesty and pure, unfiltered humanity. It’s Nea’s method of claiming “I’m right here, it’s my flip now”.
In “Clear” Nea’s cozy pop sound is characterised by its soothing and laid-back nature. Her music typically combines catchy melodies with heat and intimate vocals, creating a comfy and alluring environment that merely transports me to a heat Swedish café in winter. Nea’s songs typically characteristic a mix of digital and acoustic components, with a deal with lush manufacturing and delicate instrumentation. Her music is much from insular as a result of she is aware of easy methods to converse the lingua franca of pop fairly fluently, however all through the album, you do discover a definite Scandinavian contact, with a penchant for clear and crisp manufacturing, refined harmonies, and introspective lyrics that may get fairly harrowing at occasions.
Let’s take a quick have a look at every observe and the way they play collectively
CHOSEN FAMILY
If being clear is what this entire work is about, then Nea chooses to begin by letting us know what’s necessary to her: Friendship.
“Chosen Household” is a strong tribute to the help and love offered by these closest to us. The track serves as a reminder to specific appreciation and gratitude to our chosen family members extra typically. The track has a really lush melodic element to it with its sweeping digital synths that verge on high-stakes electronica.
SWEET CRASH FEAT. DECLAN J DONOVAN
Within the charming lyrics of “Candy Crash” by Nea and Declan J Donovan, we’re immersed in a story of intense attraction and need between two spellbound folks. The verses specific the unshakable maintain they’ve on one another as if nothing else issues past their connection. Described as a chemical response ready to blow up, their love is portrayed as a drive that can not be resisted.
The refrain paints a vivid image of the overwhelming ardour they share, utilizing metaphors of crashing and whiplash to convey the exhilaration and potential dangers concerned. The track even hints at a deadly attraction, acknowledging the depth of their bond.
“Candy Crash” delivers a strong narrative of irresistible attraction and the joy that comes with it and it does so wrapped neatly in a would-be summer season sound that I’m positive will assist chase off the chilly in these few months for lots of people. The dynamics and chemistry between Nea and Declan are simply off the charts right here.
IMAGINE
Think about options the nice and cozy, jangly sound of late 90s pop-rock however successfully modernized and verging on the danceable facet of issues. Sure “Think about” is sort of sort of a membership banger and a love ballad multi functional. “Think about” is a track in regards to the transformative energy of affection and discovering the fitting particular person to share your feelings with. The lyrics are heartfelt and emotive, with a deal with the depth of emotions that may come up while you meet somebody who actually captures your coronary heart.
LOSING A FRIEND
This track is -in some regards- the flip facet to “Chosen Household”, and it’s plain to see why. The observe has a way more “folksy” acoustic composition that basically sells the wistful longing of its themes. The lyrics discover rising aside and altering circumstances. The ultimate verse presents a glimmer of hope that the friendship could also be rekindled but additionally acknowledges the chance that it might be over for good, and with that comes the true first “bitter notice” within the album, so to talk.
YES
If you happen to’re in want of a candy and tender pick-me-up after holding again feelings from the earlier observe, “YES” is right here to ship. It’s undoubtedly one in all my favourite songs on the album. “YES” embodies a simple message of embracing new experiences, taking dangers, and residing life to the fullest with a big different. The track exudes a way of spontaneity, pleasure, and enjoyable. One of many highlights is the glowing and hopeful piano that resonates most powerfully when Nea proclaims, “The reply is sure, sure, sure, sure, sure”
I need to admit, this track deeply moved me and helped me navigate by fortuitous circumstances that lingered behind my thoughts on the day I first listened to it.
TAKE IT AS A MAN
Blind-sided by this track, I couldn’t consider my ears, it was a whiplash -and a justified one. “Take It as A Man” is a troublesome track to speak about as a result of it offers with a topic that’s troublesome and extremely vital.
Let’s not beat across the bush and attempt to be refined about it. “Take It As a Man” is a track about sexual assault and the torment and confusion it causes. In its lyrics, Nea bravely addresses the problem of sexual assault and the societal stress to stay silent about it. She recounts her personal experiences of being sexually abused by her grandfather as a toddler and feeling the necessity to cover it from her dad and mom. She additionally describes being pressured into sexual encounters by a number of companions, highlighting the prevalence of this subject. The frustration of feeling unheard and the toll it takes on one’s psychological well being is expressed all through the track. The refrain questions the validity of experiences that aren’t acknowledged or seen by others, emphasizing the societal expectation for ladies to just accept and endure sexual violence with out talking out. The repetition of “Do I gotta study to take it as a person” highlights the absurdity of this expectation. Total, the lyrics convey a way of anger, frustration, and a need for change in how society offers with sexual assault. Nea’s highly effective message serves as a reminder that survivors of sexual assault need to be heard and supported.
Nea’s track is a difficult and thought-provoking piece that balances gentleness with the burden of its subject material. Its melody could initially deceive listeners, because it defies expectations for a track addressing such a heavy matter. Slightly than being chilly and haunting, the track is surprisingly upbeat, charming, and catchy. This deliberate juxtaposition creates a placing distinction that’s each overt and intentional. It’s uncommon to come across a chunk of music that employs such a daring and deliberate method to contrasting components.
A LOVER LIKE ME
Nea is really a daring one, particular and distinctive. How do you progress on from a track like “Take It As a Man” with aptitude and elegance?
“A Lover Like Me” is likely one of the strongest anthems within the album, and a very danceable masterpiece, right here Nea expresses her eager for a satisfying romantic connection. Nea admits to making an attempt completely different relationships however discovering nobody who fulfills her wishes. Emphasizing a craving for somebody who can actually fulfill her and perceive her on a deeper degree.
Is it the final word self-love anthem, possibly?
COLD TURKEY
One other glorious observe, with a sound so catchy, highly effective, and immediately iconic that it’s on par with “Wake Me Up Earlier than You Go-Go” by Wham!, and if that doesn’t persuade you of the caliber of Nea and her group, I don’t know what is going to.
Nea’s lyrics right here seize the darkish and possessive nature of affection, revealing the depths one can descend when consumed by an amazing need to maintain their beloved shut, the place she passionately pleads for her associate’s unwavering presence. The haunting repetition of “Arrest this love” echoes her determined need to retain her associate, whatever the penalties. This track reveals as soon as extra Nea’s penchant for juxtaposing vibes and themes together with her music; catchy and upbeat however deep and even powerful to cope with.
DANCE WITH MYSELF
At first, I anticipated a Billy Idol cowl for some motive (barely completely different title, sure), however “Dance With Myself” delivers an surprising and unconventional finale. The observe’s dramatic electro sound incorporates glitched vocals and orchestral string hits, nearly reaching a gothic degree of theatricality. Nevertheless, the chilling freshness of the sound and its upfront nature solely serve to strengthen the themes operating all through the album. It subverts expectations, but fulfills a promise. It will not be what listeners count on, however it’s exactly what they want from an album that pushes boundaries and defies conference.
Closing ideas
I knew I used to be arrange for distinctive lyricism on show, nonetheless, I wasn’t fairly prepared for one thing so subversive, intense, complicated, and vivid, one thing so boldly all in favour of creating contrasts between the topic and the sound used to convey it. It’s as if Nea was enamored with juxtaposition and distinction and has a thoughts to make us fall in love with them as properly. Was that her aim all alongside? Was she maybe not wholly “clear” about her agenda? Maybe! She was very open and forthcoming with us on this album, however above all -and what will definitely convey her longevity within the industry- is that she was greater than prepared to be courageous and check out one thing new and real. She was courageous to gamble on her instincts and experiences of what *might* work and made it her trademark.
Total, “Clear” is a incredible album, an excellent debut conceptually and in execution, and whereas I’m positive there’s nonetheless room to develop for her, Nea has proven that she’s acquired greater than each software vital at her disposal to take action. Allow us to maintain our eyes and ears open for what this Swedish genius has to supply.
CONNECT WITH NEA
INSTAGRAM // SPOTIFY
[ad_2]
Source link