Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. continues a strong run in 2020 with her latest single, ย โHold On,โ hearkening back to the R&B of old. ย
Itโs no secret that ๐ 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, ๐ต โHold On.โ โHold Onโ is written by a team comprised of herself, ๐ Brendan Walsh, ๐ Luis Campozano, ๐ Maxx Moore, and ๐ Tiara Thomas. ย This lushly produced joint, clocking in under three-and-a-half minutes, is produced by ๐ Bordeaux and ๐ 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 ๐ฅ.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 โHold On,โ I adore how โunhurriedโ it feels.ย Thereโs never any rush whatsoever; just chill, relaxed vibes.
Of course, the biggest selling point of โHold Onโ is none other than H.E.R. herself โ ๐ซ๐ฉ.ย She serves up beautiful, expressive, and nuanced vocals. As she has over the past few years, she sounds utterly compelling.ย Sheโs 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.
โAnd if I hold on to you Iโm only hurting me I know if I hold on to you Iโll never want to leave Wanna love me, wanna set me free.โ
Final Thoughtsย
H.E.R. continues to shine on โHold 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, โHold Onโ should totally tickle your fancy.
๐ H.E.R. โขย ๐ต โHold Onโ โขย ๐ท RCA โข ๐ 10.30.20
[๐ท: RCA]