Ever since 2019 ushered in the new vanguard of genre-malleable popstars, that are primarily R&B artists but also versatile across mainstream and non-mainstream soundscapes, Rema has been one of the artists at the forefront of the movement. Not only is he amongst a special few to solidify his hold on the home front, he also has a global smash-hit under his belt with ‘Calm Down’, that was given new momentum with a Selena Gomez feature. Indeed, the stars are aligning for the Benin-born artist and from the look of things, he might just be getting started.
It’s no understating things saying Rema is one of the most versatile artists of his generation with a rather expansive sonic palette and his musical journey so far, strongly affirms that. His self titled EP which was his debut project was mostly a pop album, but it had a brief foray into his trapping tendencies in Why and even though Dumebi was the biggest moment on the project and his major breakthrough single, the general consensus was that Why was an incredible record with heartfelt writing and soulful melodies. Matter of fact, till date—this writer is of the opinion that it’s still his best record, with Addicted being a close second.
Not long after, almost as if riding on the wave of great reception of the song—he released the freestyle EP off the back of an endearing run of performing said songs in various cars. The EP didn’t attain the mainstream success of the previous project, but it was to be expected. It wasn’t logical to assume trap songs would notch hit status in an Afro-Pop dominated zeitgeist. However, it did one thing and it once again consolidated on the fact that this was an artist not to be boxed into one genre or style of music. He is kaleidoscopic and should be allowed to be thrive in whatever he dabbles into.
It’s been almost 4 years since then and Rema has continued to dabble and experiment in various soundscapes. His debut album, last year had him venture majorly into mainstream pop, spiced with the occasional R&B records and one psychedelic, trap, synth-pop song in Addicted. A handful of songs off it have experienced reasonable success in the mainstream, asides Calm Down but with the release of 2 new songs, it might be the horizon of a new project. Or the deluxe of Rave & Roses. It’s all speculation at this point, so all we can do is unpack what we have on ground — His new 2-track pack, “Holiday/Reason You“.
On Holiday, over a minimalist pop beat with somber piano keys—Rema reflects on his background and journey to the top. He’s done so on handful songs in the past, but for the first time he’s jubilant about it and reveling in the pain of the strife that made him into the man he is now, as a result of his immense success. The song is produced by Blaise Beats and is the first time in a long time the artist has sought collaborative effort outside the numerous in-house producers of his record label.
“Because i wan feed my own family, na him make me thief my own guy Laptop” the singer confesses over an unrelenting up tempo beat. Some might find the lyric and particular sentiment controversial, but it definitely makes the song more personal and even resonant. Besides the nitpickers can be content with the fact that he’s remorseful about the act and has now compensated his friend for the stress.
Reason You is the more experimental track. By the cadence and chord arrangements of the beat, it could pass as a cloud/emo-trap song, laced with pop kicks that would make it viable for an alté offering, as a result of its kaleidoscopic nature. Rema sing-raps over the beat, with confessional verses of a girl that he is willing to go above and beyond in securing and winning her heart. Over the chorus, he asks, “are you taken or are you available?” and emphasizes the fact that he’s not messing around with her feelings and has genuine intentions.
As expected, Holiday is the track that’s experiencing more joy as a result of its more mainstream leanings, but that’s not to say Reason You doesn’t have huge potential either. It’s definitely the better song and with an intentional feature with an artist that’s common to the song’s sonic backdrop like Maison 2500 (who he already has a collaboration in the works with) or Amaarae, the ceiling of the song could be elevated to new heights.
It’s important to note however that Rema in general, has been more dynamic since the Mavins’ Chapter X album. At times, on Rave & Roses, his delivery on certain records left much to be desired, as a result of his one-dimensional writing. Indeed on some songs like Soundgasm, Addicted and Are You There?, his pen was stellar but it wasn’t consistent all through the album and some track runs were underwhelming as a result of it. Ever since then, he’s been more intentional and it’s much to this writer’s joy because he knows his writing can be much better, if he just put in the effort.
Basically, I’m excited for the next phase of Rema. He’s an incredibly dynamic artist with a lot to offer and it seems he is ready to be more adventurous, as of late. Wherever this new route takes him, we’d see. If and when the deluxe version of Rave & Roses drops or a sophomore album, whatever the case may be I’d be once again here to unpack the music.
Till next time.
Listen to Holiday/Reason You pack
This article is written by T.J. Martins, an Album Talks writer.
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