Julia Michaels has no issues delivering another compelling single with “Uh Huh,” the playful follow-up to her breakout hit, “Issues.”

Julia Michaels has “Issues,” and… “One of them is how I bad I need you.”  What the pop singer/songwriter doesn’t have issues with is writing intriguing songs.  “Issues” served as Michaels’ breakthrough into the pop realm as an artist in her own right.  That said, she’s penned songs for others.  Once again, she returns for more “pop love” with playful, single, “Uh Huh.”

“Uh Huh” opens with guitar, which serves as the initial accompaniment for “Uh Huh.” Michaels’ vocals are sort of low-key on the verses.  She offers a sort of coy vibe.  The lyrics confirm this, particularly on the first verse:

“It’s electric how my lipstick / Makes its own way right into your kiss / It’s pathetic how we both get / Kinda f*cked up, hanging on to each other.”

Interesting, “Uh Huh” sort plays off the same dysfunctional vibes of her breakthrough single, “Issues.”

Her vocals are much more assertive and playful on the chorus, particularly on the titular lyric.

Overall, the chorus is grander in scope.  It opens the door to hard-hitting drums and generally, a more aggressive sound.  This more aggressive sound later incorporates synths in addition to the trio of guitar, bass, and drums.  Lyrically, she matches the intensity of the production, even if she’s not offering considerable depth or profundity.

“Uh-huh! I think you’re movin’ in too close / But I think that it’s my body wanting it the most, like / Uh-huh! I don’t know what it is I feel / But I know it’s my emotions going in for the kill like / Uh-huh!”

Among the best moments of “Uh Huh” is the bridge.  The instrumentation is stripped down once more, allowing her Michaels’ voice to shine.  That it does, once more exhibiting her playful side, as if she’s teasing the listener.

“It’s rare when the panic in my mind / Feel so damn good / Woo!”

Final Thoughts

So, how does “Uh Huh” turn out for Julia Michaels? All in all, it’s not too shabby.  Like “Issues,” “Uh Huh” has a low-key charm – something that separates it from many other pop singles.  “Uh Huh” isn’t quite as catchy as “Issues,” but clearly, she has a promising career on her hands without question.

Julia Michaels • Uh Huh – Single • Republic • Release: 6.2.17

Photo Credit: Republic