Embracing the beginnings of adulthood and a new collaborator, neo-soul artist Ravyn Lenae is back with her new EP, “Crush.”
Story by Savannah Olson
Since the beginning of time, all the trials and tribulations of love have been displayed in music. Etta James crooned about finding “the one” after years of loneliness in “At Last.” Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene” perfected the tune of heartbreak when your lover’s attention is captured by another. Desire and passion are so clearly interwoven into Daniel Caesar’s “Get You,” that there have been multiple accounts of proposals at his concerts when he plays the song, reigning it as the top love song in 2017.
For Ravyn Lenae’s new EP “Crush,” the cycle of love songs continues with a 2018 upgrade.
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records
Releasing her previous two EPs while attending the Chicago High School of the Arts, Lenae has shown that age is not a determining factor for artistry. Now 19 years old, Lenae culminates her confidence in herself in “Crush,” with slinky vocals and funky beats produced by new collaborator, The Internet’s Steve Lacy.
The first single of the EP “Sticky” is a well-balanced act between Lenae’s floating vocals and Lacy’s bouncing production. As the guitar riffs begin, Lenae’s background harmonies of “whoo hoo” feels gooey, emulating the honey-trap of a tumultuous relationship that the song describes. The theme in “Night Song” is about self-love and being carefree on a night out. Lenae recants, “I wanna be no one but me/I’on give a damn ‘bout what you say or think,” throughout the song as a testament to the power she has over herself, grooving along to Lacy’s ‘70s inspired synths.
On tracks “Computer Luv” and “4 Leaf Clover,” Lenae shares a duet with Lacy’s earnest vocals. Relating to many born in the tech age, “Computer Luv” delves into a digital couple’s struggles of connected emotionally while being physically apart. Lyrics like, “You knew it from the start/Computer love is not smart,” feel like the unplugging of a relationship. Lenae expresses that falling in love online is not an easy feat, especially if there is any doubt in the realness of the coupling.
“Crush” is not simply about relationships, but is also about growing up through these encounters. Each song depicts a cornerstone of realization. Lenae sees herself becoming jealous over a guy, or falling into relationships that lead to nothing but an experience. She takes these experiences and becomes more confident in who she is as a person and an artist.
With a full-length album yet to be released, fans await more tales of Lenae’s growth and how they will be amplified with Lacy’s sultry style of production.
