Rising Columbian-Canadian R&B artist Jessie Reyez, taps Grammy-nominated Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar for soulful, love-driven single, “Figures, a Reprise.”

Colombian-Canadian musician Jessie Reyez is a rising R&B star. What makes Reyez so special is her voice, which is among the most distinct in the game.  Many likely heard her unique, cutting instrument on the Calvin Harris album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (“Hard to Love”).  On her latest single, “Figures, a Reprise,” she enlists a fellow rising Canadian, Grammy-nominated Daniel Caesar.

From the jump, “Figures, a Reprise” has a soulful sensibility.  The raspy, throaty vocals of Reyez are intense from the get-go, as she sings of the plight of love.

“I got a lineup of girls and a lineup of guys

Begging for me just to give ‘em a try

Figures

I’m willing to stay

‘Cause I’m sick for your love.”

Sigh. On the dramatic chorus, she lets loose, including dropping a bomb – the f-bomb that is.

“I wish I could hurt you back
Love, what would you do if you couldn’t get me back
You’re the one who’s gonna lose
Something so special, something so real
Tell me boy, how in the f**k would you feel?
If you couldn’t get me back
That’s what I wish that I could do to you, you
To you, you.”

Daniel Caesar enters the picture on the second verse.  His vocals are a bit more low-key than Reyez.  He resides in his lower register, offering a kinder, gentler response. Still, he comments on issues of mental health and drinking, regarding being “sick for her love.”  Many times, they join forces on the second chorus, but Reyez remains the vocal aggressor.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Figures, a Reprise” is a success for Jessie Reyez.  Furthermore, for the most part, the collaboration with Daniel Caesar is successful as well.  Both artists successfully depict their sickness for one another regarding love. That said, nitpicking, the contrast of both voices is starkly different, so maybe the vocal chemistry is a bit questionable.  Still, what’s better than hearing two insanely talented, rising stars?

Jessie Reyez • Figures, a Reprise (Ft. Daniel Caesar) – Single • FMLY • Release: 3.30.18

Writers: Ashton Simmonds, Bjorn Djupstrom, Jessie Reyez, Jordan Evans, Matthew Burnett, Shy Carter & Tobias Frelin « Producers: Jordan Evans & Matthew Burnett

Photo Credit: FMLY