Durand Bernarr, AM I OKAY?! | Song Review

Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr delivers another homerun with “AM I OKAY?!”, the second single from BERNARR.

[nx_pullquote]“Might just figure it out, wanna figure it out / Could you figure it out with me?”[/nx_pullquote] What’s to figure out? Durand Bernarr is one hell of a sickening artist!  Finally, the talented R&B singer-songwriter got the recognition he’s long deserved, winning his first Grammy. Unveiling a new album, BERNARR., following a fantastic “Wild Ride” with James Fauntleroy, Bernarr asks the question, musically, “AM I OKAY?!” Whether our handsome, talented fella is or isn’t what is far more than OKAY is the song.  Once again, Durand does the damn thing, PERIODT.  He wrote this bop alongside Miguel, Sevyn Streeter, B.K. Habermehl, Choklate (Kolesta Moore), and Ray Angry. He produced it with Donnie Scantz and Jahi Sundance.

Yes, there are lots of writers and producers, but the results are well worth it.  The musical backdrop is electrifying. It is groovy, sleekly produced, and perfect fuel for Durand’s vocal fire. Thundercat ate and left no crumbs on the bass! That said, Bernarr doesn’t need much motivation to deliver a top-notch performance.  He sounds commanding, confident, expressive, and nuanced, and gives us all the things. Those runs? Ooh-wee!  It seems like every time he picks up the mic, he’s on autopilot. That is the case on “AM I OKAY?!” where he delivers another authentic performance that oozes with grit and soul.  Beyond his voice, the melodies catch the ears the first time you hear the song.  The theme and lyrics are memorable, too. Durand is in a vulnerable state, admitting, “I’m a loner, and as sad as that may seem / Doctor, I just wanna know, oh.” What does he want to know? Per the chorus and titular lyric, “Am I (Am I) okay?”  The second verse grows spicier, thanks in part to a timely f-bomb: “I think I ran out of fucks / ‘Cause something ‘bout it don’t make sense.” What’s he referencing? Life specifically matters of the heart.  On the bridge, he cleverly uses the metaphor of being on the road, trying to get home. Topping a banger like “Wild Ride” is tough – that shit slaps something fierce.  But the heartfelt “AM I OKAY?!” is simply irresistible in its own right, even if DB seems to be on the struggle bus.