H.E.R., Do to Me | Track Review

Grammy-winning R&B artist H.E.R. takes a risk with the reggae-tinged “Do to Me” and ultimately reaps the benefits.

Making an authentic reggae record (or reggae-influence/tinged record) is a tall task. Why? Because if reggae isn’t executed properly, it sounds corny as a four-letter word.  Many times, when I even see that a non-reggae musician is going to attempt a reggae record, I just cross my fingers hoping it works.  Perhaps it’s a cynical view, but hey, just keeping it 100.  Fortunately for Grammy-winning R&B musician H.E.R., her reggae endeavors work out on “Do to Me.”

H.E.R. is quite prolific, always releasing new singles. Admittedly, a couple of them go unreviewed by yours truly.  However, “Do to Me” is certainly worth acknowledging.  The sound does rely on the music of the islands and perhaps surprisingly, this turns out to be a winning vibe for the singer/songwriter.  The songwriting credit list runs long, which is the case with pop, R&B, and hip-hop these days, though a sample, “Bam Bam” by Sister Nancy, must be acknowledge as well.  Swagg R’celious handles the production, doing H.E.R. justice by all means.

Vocally, H.E.R. is potent as ever – possibly even more so.  On the chorus, she provides additional oomph, which kicks things up a notch.

“All the things you do to me, do. To me, do to me, do to me, yeah
All the things you do to me, do. To me, do to me, do to me, yeah
I love the way you touch me, hold me, make me wanna sing
Drive me crazy with everything you do to me, do to me, do too me, do to me, yeah
Oh, oh.”

Thematically, it should come as no surprise that matters of the heart drive the narrative.  Also, it should come as no surprise that there’s lyrical repetition or Jamaican patois.

Final Thoughts

Another new single and another success by H.E.R., period. “Do to Me” isn’t innovative or transformative by any means, but it is sound and incredibly enjoyable.  Artists – black or white – always walk a fine line when it comes to integrating reggae, but in this case, the results are #winning.

H.E.R. • “Do to Me” • RCA • Release: 7.8.20

Photo Credit: RCA