Rina Sawayama, Chosen Family | Thankful Songs 🙏🎶

For the first Thankful Song 🙏🎶, we highlight & examine the pitch-perfect “Chosen Family” by Japanese-born, British musician, Rina Sawayama. 

“We don’t need to be related to relate / We don’t need to share genes or a surname / You are, you are / My chosen, chosen family.” Gorgeous, meaningful lyrics, 🎙 Rina Sawayama! Before we takj more about the Japanese-born, British musician, let’s discuss the column, Thankful Songs 🙏🎶! On Thankful Songs 🙏🎶, we highlight songs in which the musician (or musicians) show gratitude about something or towards someone.  This idea came from the fact that in November, here in the United States of America, many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.  So, what better way than to celebrate than select some awesome songs that exhibit gratitude? First up, Sawayama with her awesome 🎵 “Chosen Family,” which hails from her 2020 full-length debut, 💿 SAWAYAMA.

More folks need to be buzzing about Rina Sawayama – she’s absolutely amazing! Best described as an alternative musician, her music encompasses a variety of different styles including pop, R&B and even metal 🤘.  SAWAYAMA, has received universal critical acclaim, a feat few albums can tout.  Worth noting, Rina is a member of the LGBTQ+ community 🌈, identifying as pansexual and bisexual.  Why is that pertinent? Well, it plays a role in with who she’s thankful for on “Chosen Family.”

“Chosen Family” appears as penultimate cut on SAWAYAMA.  Rina said this regarding the song:

“I wrote this thinking about my chosen family, which is my LGBTQ sisters and brothers… The concept of chosen family has been long-standing in the queer community because a lot of people get kicked out of their homes and get ostracized from their family for coming out or just living true to themselves.  I wanted to write aa song literally for them…”

There you go – no further explanation needed, honestly. Beyond the moving background,  Sawayama serves up lovely, expressive, and nuanced vocals; you sense her authenticity and sincerity.  Furthermore, the production is gorgeous. The sound is balanced yet quite colorful and ear catching.  The best moment is undoubtedly the catchy chorus, the centerpiece of this standout record.  Excerpted above, it continues as follows:

“...So what if we don’t look the same?
We been going through the same thing, yeah
You are, you are
My chosen, chosen family.”

In a world where there is far too much persecution for people being who they are, “Chosen Family” speaks volume.  You don’t have to be queer to relate – the messaging is applicable to any number of situations.  Honestly, we should be thankful to Rina Sawayama for recording this excellent, excellent song.

Rina Sawayama • 💿 SAWAYAMA • 🏷 Dirty Hit • 📅 2020

[📷 : Dirty Hit]