Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

H.E.R., "Hold On" [๐Ÿ“ท : RCA]Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. continues a strong run in 2020 with her latest single, ย โ€œHold On,โ€ hearkening back to the R&B of old. ย 

Itโ€™s no secret that ๐ŸŽ™ H.E.R. has been on a roll throughout 2020.ย  The Grammy-winning R&B never fails to compel, single after single. Once again, she comes through on her latest ear catching gem, ๐ŸŽต โ€œHold On.โ€ โ€œHold Onโ€ is written by a team comprised of herself, ๐ŸŽ™ Brendan Walsh, ๐ŸŽ™ Luis Campozano, ๐ŸŽ™ Maxx Moore, and ๐ŸŽ™ Tiara Thomas. ย This lushly produced joint, clocking in under three-and-a-half minutes, is produced by ๐ŸŽ™ Bordeaux and ๐ŸŽ™ Non Native.

Bordeaux and Non Native absolutely kill it in the production department, helping H.E.R. to capture those soulful vibes, hearkening back to R&B of the past. In particular, I love the use of electric guitar and electric keyboard within the backdrop โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ฅ.ย  As the record progresses, the guitar only becomes more assertive, bringing in a little rock/pop edge while remaining idiomatic of contemporary soul.ย  Furthermore, regarding โ€œHold On,โ€ I adore how โ€˜unhurriedโ€™ it feels.ย  Thereโ€™s never any rush whatsoever; just chill, relaxed vibes.

Of course, the biggest selling point of โ€œHold Onโ€ is none other than H.E.R. herself โ€“ ๐Ÿšซ๐ŸŽฉ.ย  She serves up beautiful, expressive, and nuanced vocals. As she has over the past few years, she sounds utterly compelling.ย  Sheโ€™s always in command, without ever forcing things. ย In addition to her own marvelous instrument, great songwriting (matters of the heart, of course) and a gorgeous melody definitely give her awesome material to work with.ย  The chorus, in particular, is pretty sweet.

โ€œAnd if I hold on to you
Iโ€™m only hurting me
I know if I hold on to you
Iโ€™ll never want to leave
Wanna love me, wanna set me free.โ€

Final Thoughtsย 

H.E.R. continues to shine on โ€œHold On,โ€ period.ย  This is a well-written, well-performed, and well-written record through and through.ย  For fans who enjoy R&B that feels modern yet also incorporates the cues of the past, โ€œHold Onโ€ should totally tickle your fancy.

4 out of 5 stars


๐ŸŽ™ H.E.R. โ€ขย ๐ŸŽต โ€œHold Onโ€ โ€ขย ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 10.30.20
[๐Ÿ“ท: RCA]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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