Bebe Rexha, Sabotage | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated pop star Bebe Rexha shines on her reflective, minor-key ballad, “Sabotage,” produced by the great Greg Kurstin.

Throughout her career, 🎙 Bebe Rexha has experienced some success.  Still, you could argue, she should be bigger than what she is.  Regardless of her lot, Rexha continues to plug away in a highly competitive music industry, dropping another new single, 🎵 “Sabotage”.  Could “Sabotage” give Rexha the boost that she needs?  Perhaps.  Regardless, it’s a fine offering from the talented pop artist.

In addition to the pen of Bebe, “Sabotage” was written by 🎼✍ Jon Hume, 🎼✍ Michael Matosic, 🎼✍ Michael Tighe, and 🎼✍ Greg Kurstin.  Kurstin, of course, also lends his hand in the production department on this minor-key ballad, much like the boss that he is 💪. “Sabotage” begins abruptly with Rexha singing in a breathy tone, singing an excerpt from the chorus:

“Why do I sabotage everything I love?
It’s always beautiful until I fuck it up.”

Woo! The final line features more cutting vocals, much more characteristic of the eventual chorus.  We get plenty of personality with that f-bomb being unveiled early – the sole reason this song gets the parental advisory, explicit lyrics nod.

Throughout, Rexha is reflective on “Sabotage,” examining her shortcomings.  It all culminates on the chorus where she really rises to the occasion vocally.  We hear the full chorus, which continues as follows: “Why do I sabotage everything I love? / The walls are closin’ in because I built them up.” Besides a more assertive vocal, we get more instrumentation.  The pacing of the track is quite nice, with the second verse adding drums, the second chorus adding even more instrumentation, and the bridge being incredibly powerful.  It wouldn’t be far-fetched to characterize the bridge as Bebe’s crowning achievement. On the final chorus, she pulls back at first, before ‘bringing it on home.’

Final Thoughts 💭 

Sadly, Bebe Rexha hasn’t become that pop superstar despite her incredible talent. However, “Sabotage” is definitely a step in the right direction to build up the fan base she deserves to have.  The record checks off all the boxes: great vocals, great songwriting, and awesome production.  “Sabotage” is a relatable, must-hear. 

🎙 Bebe Rexha • 🎵 “Sabotage” • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 4.16.21

[📷: Warner]