Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Mali Music, The Transition of Mali © RCAThroughout the course of “Still,” inspirational R&B artist Mali Music presents the goods, delivering a capable vocal performance and transcendent messaging.

Once upon a time, Mali Music was a gospel artist.  Prior to his 2014 R&B album, Mali Is…, Mali Music was known more for his spiritually-driven endeavors.  Nonetheless, Mali Is, as well as his 2017 effort, The Transition of Mali, both have their fair share of spiritual messaging.  Five singles arrived ahead of The Transition of Mali, including “Still.”

“Still” is soulful, with a dash of gospel sensibility.  This sensibility is achieved thanks to the harmonic scheme and the piano specifically.  Additionally, the use of strings is lovely.  The pace is nice and relaxed, with Mali Music never getting into a rush. “Still” speaks on the power of love. On the first verse, he sings:

“There’s nowhere else to go / There’s nowhere else to be / Than here in love with you …”

On the second verse, he continues on in poetic fashion, singing:

“My rivers run to you / That’s what comes naturally…”

The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“That’s why I’ll always be in love with you / Still, through it all / That’s when we’re going up, going up / When we rise and fall / You know I’ll always be in love with you / Still…”

Throughout the course of “Still,” Mali Music delivers a capable vocal performance. That vocal performance includes superb falsetto, excellent grit in his chest voice, and most importantly, singing with incredible authenticity.

Final Thoughts

Once more, Mali Music delivers the goods, without question. “Still” finds him showing off his many virtues and artist.  Yes, he’s secular at this time musically, but his concepts and messages continue to transcend secular means.  “Still,” hence, is yet another asset to The Transition of Mali.

Mali Music • The Transition of Mali • RCA • Release: 6.2.17
Photo Credit: 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.