Miguel and Julia Michaels appear on “Light Me Up,” one of the bright spots from ‘NOVA,’ the sophomore LP from electronic producer RL Grime. 

“We forget that it’s so easy to love when everything is good.” RL Grimes is back with a new album, NOVA. A star-studded affair, among the big names the 27-year old electronic, bass producer secured on the project were Grammy-winning R&B artist Miguel and Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Julia Michaels.  Both land on “Light Me Up,” the third song off the 15-track LP.

Miguel sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. He encourages a brokenhearted girl (Michaels contextually) that love is possible again: “You can dry your tears; every tide must change.” Essentially, he’ll atone for her broken heart.  How sweet.  On the chorus, he sings, “Yeah baby light me up / You can breathe me in / I’ma hold you up / Until the quiet comes.” Julia Michaels sings the second verse and pre-chorus, while joining Miguel on the following chorus. Essentially, she responds to his encouragement:

“’Cause it’s so easy to love when everything is good / Hold my skin, hold me in your hands / Let’s begin, to give you all I am / Mmm, to give you all I am.”

Both have their respective solo lines on the bridge, regarding their love endeavors, while Miguel delivers the final chorus.

Final Thoughts 

So, much has been made of Miguel and Michaels, who deliver strong performances. That’s great, but it should also be noted that RL Grime gives them a stellar backdrop to work with.  His production is colorful. I love the emphasis placed on smoother, electric guitar on the more restrained verses, while the chorus is more aggressive, led by synths and more intense, rhythmic drum programming.  Normally, I don’t review a single post-album, but for this surefire winner, I’ll make an exception.   Make sure you check out all of NOVA.

RL Grime • NOVA • WeDidIt • Release: 7.27.18

Photo Credit: WeDidIt