by Jackie Torres, '22
After several successful singles and two EPs, Danish artist Soleima has released her debut album, "Powerslide." The album is a well-paced, and cohesive body of work. Her soft vocals mixed with a blend of electronica and R&B create a unique and memorable sound. While the album’s aesthetic can be described as sugary and laid-back, Soleima’s lyrics prove otherwise. It is a shameless reflection of Soleima's quarrel with herself.
The album opens with the single, and potential earworm, “Roses,” an honest take on self-love, which is also a constant motif throughout the album. The song is easily one that stands out from the nine other tracks, as it almost strays from a manufactured sound with a cool guitar riff throughout. Lyrics from the pre-chorus: “But are roses red and are violets blue? / So what the f– did you think that you could do?” are catchy and still ring after the next track starts.
“Grind,” follows with tempestuous lyrics, obscured by a syrupy and full-bodied sound, followed by the nearly angelic vocal layering and effervescence of “Hustlin,’” “Cheers for the Tears,” a peculiar amalgamation of reggae and ambience, and the unexpected intensity of a synthetic orchestra in “We’re Going Home.”
One of Powerslide’s most outstanding moments was in “Grind,” saying: “’Cause when you’re gone / I’m a f–ing wreck.” The lyrics are an acknowledgement of the artist’s predicament and the synchronization between the lyrics and declination of the beat is undeniably satisfying.
Overall, Soleima’s debut is a melancholic gem and remains true to her sound. While the middle plateaus and the entirety of the piece just about skirts around repetition—the aesthetic was well composed and pleasing to listen to. It’s something that one would listen to on a car ride in the middle of the night. And Powerslide leaves you to sit with your own nostalgia long after the car ride is over.
Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Soleima this Wednesday.