H.E.R., The Journey | Track Review

Decorated R&B singer/songwriter H.E.R. shines on her first single of 2023, the encouraging and uplifting, “The Journey.”

“And when you’re going with your heart you can go / Farther than you’d ever thought possible / Prove them all wrong.” Prove who all wrong, H.E.R.? Why, the doubters, the haters, and skeptics! WOO! On her first single of 2023, the soaring ballad, “The Journey”, the Academy and Grammy award-winning musician delivers positive vibes.  “The Journey” is encouraging, reassuring, and totally uplifting.  Commencing as a piano ballad, the record expands, incorporating strings, robust bass and by the second verse, a drum groove as well as rhythm guitar. 

With a thoughtful message, and fabulous production, the rich vocals by H.E.R. cannot be neglected.  On “The Journey,” she serves up far more powerful vocals than she’s delivered in the past.  The verses, which are tuneful, showcase balance and poise, but by the chorus, H.E.R. truly lets it rip.  As the song progresses, her voice becomes even more ambitious with some marvelous runs and plenty of power.  In the chorus, she asserts, “It’s the journey / It’s the getting there to where you’re going to / Going through hell but still you’re gonna make it through…” Another strong moment from “The Journey” is the bridge, which successful contrasts the verses and chorus.  Fittingly, the most epic chorus of all follows, concluding this radiant, uplifting ballad.  Ah, “The Journey” in the hands of H.E.R. is pretty sweet!

via GIPHY

H.E.R. • “The Journey” • RCA • 5.18.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; RCA; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]