Album: Vol. 2 B sides

Artist: H.E.R.

Label: RCA

If you haven’t heard of the up and coming R&B singer H.E.R., you are truly missing out on one of the most promising artist to emerge in the last decade in this commercially dying genre. Simply billed as H.E.R. has released three EPs in the last year and her (no pun intended) identity remains unknown as she prefers to remain anonymous and only be represented by her music as is the case with her lastest release, Vol 2. B sides which was available for steaming last Friday, October 20th everywhere, as well as a combined album that included 21 tracks from all three EPs.

Not steering away from a winning formula that displays vulnerability and heartbreak combined with confidence and skillset, there is no denying that this artist is in love with the nuisances of R&B and R&B is showing her love right back on this new six song EP. The stand out track, Rather Be is a piano driven ballad that is layered in simple production, emotional lyrics, and controlled vocal range, that adds to an already impressive list of songs that sets her apart from other contemporary R&B singers. It’s simply a beautiful radio ready ballad that deserves much attention in this would of luke warm deliveries and semi soulful attempts. 2 is the assumed lead track from the project due to it being released prior to the EP and a lyrical bold declaration of a woman admitting that she is also playing her unfaithful beau. The way she rides the track with such ease and smooth vocals is another example of how comfortable H.E.R sounds on most of her music, if not all. Best Part is a beautiful and light duet with vocalist Daniel Caesar and is very reminiscing of the great love music that was birthed out of the neo soul movement in the nineties. Those songs were sung by the greats of that era that included India.Arie, Jill Scott, and Musiq Soulchild and these two vocalists embodies these artists perfectly and really catches the vibes and soul of that time.

One might ask how does this fairly new artist seems to have such a solid winning formula? Well it’s rumored that H.E.R. is the latest carnation of a somewhat famous child prodigy(that we won’t name), who received a lot of attention at an early age because of her powerhouse vocals and piano ability. Meaning, she has been groomed to shine at this moment for years now and it shows.

Recently garnering a Soul Train Award nomination for Best New Artist, streaming over 65 million times across all streaming music providers worldwide, wrapping up a successful tour with Bryson Tiller for the Set It Off Tour and being listed on several Artist to Watch from various publication, its safe to say that H.E.R. is making moves and we are excited for the future of this brilliant artist. Connection to the music is key and moreso connection to your music is vital.

Other Notable Tracks from 21-track issued combined catalogue: Focus, Losing, Every Kind Of Way, Lights On, & Facts.