Dvsn, A Muse | Track Review 🎵

Canadian R&B duo dvsn delivers an enjoyable, sensual, well-rounded single in “A Muse” that benefits from its familiarity.

That last time we heard from dvsn (Daniel Daley and Nineteen85) as far as a full-length album, was 2017.  That’s when the Canadian R&B duo released their sophomore album, Morning After.  Since then, a number of singles have materialized with “In Between”, “Miss Me?”, and “No Cryin” (featuring Future).  Following those three new singles in 2019, Daley and Nineteen85 are back with their first new single of a 20s, “A Muse.” 

“A Muse” features a very familiar sound.  That’s because of several factors.  First and foremost, dvsn remain dedicated to a brand of R&B that keeps the BPMs low, the production lush, and the vocals quite soulful.  Yes, Daniel Daley does work here, much of it without breaking a sweat, honestly.  His chest voice is quite nuanced and expressive, but he also impresses when he dips into his falsetto.  Again, if you’ve been into dvsn since “With Me” and their debut album, SEPT 5^th, none of this should come as a surprise.

Other things that make “A Muse” familiar include the sample: Lonnie Liston Smith, “A Garden of Peace.”  This is one of the more recognizable samples, honestly.  Even so, it works quite well for the duo here, fueling the sensual fire.  And that leads me to the last bit of familiarity – SEX!  There are several examples lyrically.  On the pre-chorus, Daley sings, “‘Cause when I’m with, you / Arch it up, nice and slow.” Self-explanatory.  Apparently, he’s pretty good at doing it, too:

“You leavin’ in the mornin’, you’re supposed to be packin’
Yeah we gon’ have to push that flight back
Said you gotta go, you brought it right back
Those calls, those texts, you don’t write back
Forgot about your phone, my sex is like that, like that.”

Final Thoughts

“A Muse” won’t change your life.  That said, this is another, well-rounded R&B cut from dvsn by all means.  It’s familiar in a number of ways.  That familiarity (sound, sample, vocals, sexually charged songwriting) pays off, ultimately.

Dvsn • “A Muse” – Single • Warner • Release: 1.17.20

Photo Credits: Warner