Paul Russell, Say Cheese | Song Review 🎵

Rapper and singer Paul Russell delivers another infectious pop bop with his first single of 2024, “Say Cheese.”

“Say, ‘Cheese’ / Steppin’ out, purple Mercedes / Fall in love, why don’t you make me? / You want a picture? Just say, ‘Please.’” Ooh, wee! Paul Russell has ample swagger – he’s got plenty of personality and rizz, fo’ sho’! Post “Lil Boo Thang” – a pop juggernaut – Russell delivers another infectious, pleasant pop/rap single, “Say Cheese”.  Russell has a knack for fun, feel-good, vibe-laden songs.  He pens the exuberant “Say Cheese” alongside Raymond Haley, Richard Parker, and producer, Sean Cook.

Russell does a fabulous job of balancing singing and rapping.  The chorus, the crème de la crème of “Say Cheese,” finds Paul flexing those pipes.  It’s tuneful to the nth degree – the first major section of the song.  From there, in the first verse, bars are dropped aka rapping.  Does Russell rewrite rap with said bars? Nah, but, the contrast to preceding chorus, and well as the following pre-chorus and another iteration of chorus is a pro. Arguably, the second verse, also rapped, is more exciting given the speed; it’s also a bit wordier.  Lines like “I’m on top of the game, shorty stop at the gate / I’m on the phone with the bank and they ain’t talkin’ the same” aren’t ‘brand new,’ but Russell’s delightful personality sells it.  Cook’s production also provides Russell with a huge lift, emulating the major-key, horn-laden, groovy sound of “Lil Boo Thang.” All in all, “Say Cheese” gives Paul another bop!

Paul Russell • “Say Cheese” • Paul Russell / Arista • 1.26.24

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Paul Russell / Arista; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]