Los Angeles R&B-pop artist Aeriel ‘shines bright like a diamond’ on her new lush, new single, “Be Down,” from her forthcoming EP, ‘Sad Girls Club.’

R&B is dead? No, by no mean it’s not. Take one listen to Aeriel, and it’s clear the style still has plenty of life.  Who is Aeriel? She’s a R&B/pop singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California.  She can be described as “a representation of multi-faceted women across the globe.” Awesome, right? For the singer-songwriter, it’s important that she brings ‘realness’ – authenticity – as well as well-rounded vocals to the listener.  She exceeds those expectations on her single, “Be Down,” which will be featured on her Sad Girls Club EP (date T.B.A.).

There’s plenty to like about “Be Down.”  The tone is set from the jump, thanks to lovely, lush production work, courtesy of Corey Michael and Godflow.  Amongst the ear candy showcased on the intro is a dash of smooth, harmonized backing vocals. Perhaps “Be Down” is best characterized as contemporary R&B, BUT it also has that 90s, early 00s R&B vibe.  This is refreshing to hear again. Apparently, this is part of Ariel’s plan – lovely nostalgia.

It’s not all about the production work on “Be Down.” The star, Aeriel, is very much the star.  Throughout the course of the song, she delivers clear, beautiful, and expressive vocals. She perfectly captures the feels of the song vocally, particularly when she ascends to her falsetto.  She spoils the listener with those breathy, high notes on the chorus, clearly the crème de la crème of “Be Down.” Clearly, she’s invested into what she singing.  “Be Down” centers around issues with a four-letter word: Love.  More specifically, the plight.

Final Thoughts 

Don’t let anyone mislead you to believe that R&B is dead.  Aeriel proves the genre is alive and well.  “Be Down” has ample potential, thanks to its many pros: strong production blending the past with the present, excellent vocals by Aeriel, and solid songwriting.  Ariel, we’re rooting for you!

Credits: Produced by Corey Michael and Godflow; Music video directed by Lex J.

Aeriel • Be Down – Single • Thelma Jean Ent. • Release: 9.29.17

Photo Credit: Thelma Jean Ent.