For the last few years, R&B has been on a downward spiral. The infusion of Hip-Hop into R&B has become common place. I do not dislike that aspect. Some times, it can be really good. However, this euro-dance pop infusion is not my cup of tea. I dislike everything about it. I have been yearning for the days of early 90's R&B to come back. There are a few artists who are on the right track. In comes Elle Varner. A new voice that I cannot get enough of. Her debut "Perfectly Imperfect" was released this week. It was everything that I wanted it to be. Sans the J. Cole feature, the cd is pure R&B. Elle's strong point is her storytelling ability. All of her songs have that aspects to them. It's something that a lot of artists cannot/do not do. Storytelling in a song is nothing new but it is a lost art. My new favorite song has to be "Sound Proof Room." I love everything about this song. My favorite line has to be from the chorus. "Baby, you should know if I ever get you alone, me & you, me & you, boy we're gonna need a sound proof room. Oh boy we're gonna make a lot of noise." Everything about this song does it for me. I can listen to the cd from beginning to end. It's 11 songs and they are almost perfect. There is one song that I'm not too fond of. But, I still love it. Her first two singles "Only Want To Give It To You" and "Refill" have been on constant rotation since they were released. Tracks like "Stop The Clock," "I Don't Care," "Leaf," and "Not Tonight" are all single worthy. It will be interesting to see what direction her record label goes in.
The cd is full of youthful sounds. It's a really feel good collection. I think this was the perfect follow up to her mixtape "Conversational Lush." I loved her mixtape and feel the same way about her debut. Elle did an awesome job of staying true to the vocal lane she has created. I would love to catch Elle in concert. I have a feeling that she will be quite awesome. If you are looking for a new voice to listen to, go ahead and give Elle Varner a chance. Get into her "Perfectly Imperfect" and "Conversational Lush." Both are well worth a listen. Enjoy!
This track has literally been on repeat for at least two weeks. "Refill" was initially an interlude on Elle's "Conversational Lush" mixtape. It is now serving as the second single from her yet to be released debut. There is something so intoxicating about this track. There is a violin riff that is repeated throughout the whole song that drew me in. Then, of course, there are the actual lyrics. I love the lyrical word play of this song. Comparing the first meeting to being a little tipsy is genius. Calling yourself a conversational lush made this writer/poet beyond happy. And, to top it all off, Elle can sing. I am a fan. I'm patiently waiting for her cd to drop. Until then, I will continue to vibe uber hard to her two singles and free mixtape. Get into these lyrics.
"I feel like the girl at the bar who’s been there too long Can’t stand up! I should be gone but I just can’t get enough, yeah!
Fumbling, giggling, silly as ever I get like this after one too many But right now I ain’t even been drinkin' He approached me and asked for a minute Which turned into five, then turned into ten And right now I don’t know how to say when
So can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Yeah, of your time Cause you’re intoxicating my mind Feel like a conversational lush Cause I don’t know how much is too much, yeah
I feel like the girl at the bar who’s been there too long Can’t stand up!
Wishin' and hopin' that I don't blow it I'm nervous as hell I don’t wanna show it And right now I don’t even know what I’m saying I've never had game, no never I don’t wanna sound like a broken record But until you say goodnight All I know is that I’m staying!
So can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Can I get a reeeeeeeeeeefill? Yeah, of your time Cause you’re intoxicating my mind Feel like a conversational lush Cause I don’t know how much is too much, yeah
I feel like the girl at the bar who’s been there too long Can’t stand up!
I need a shot of you on the rocks Cause I’m down to my very last drop...
Elle Varner is a breath of fresh air for me. I first heard of her when she dropped her first official single "Only Wanna Give It To You" featuring J. Cole. The single is very catchy. I loved it. It is off of her upcoming debut "Perfectly Imperfect." While I was vibing to this, she dropped a jewel of a mixtape. It's titled "Conversational Lush." I really love when I can put a project on and just let it play. This is what happened the first time I played CL.
Her tracks are melodic, catchy, lyrical and most importantly, relatable. That means so much to a music lovers like me. I found myself laughing, nodding in agreement to every song. I love the real life situational stories Elle presents through her music. Her "Conversational Lush" is definitely worth getting in to. More importantly, it's absolutely free. I think her mixtape is the perfect appetizer to her debut. Below are my favorite tracks on the mixtape. I think that Elle is a winner.
