REVIEW (Music): True
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READING TIME: 5 MINUTES
True contains contemporary neo soul/R&B and tribute sounds of the 80s (uptempo synths with retro funk). Its alternative sound is charming and bona fide yet radio-friendly. True is a sonic timeworn possessing the remains of distant memories of a modern girl's young love and can only be described as a microcosm of the emotional turmoils modern young girls go through before becoming their independent, disciplined and mature selves.
The sounds are mystical, delicate and chill, which has helped solidify Solange’s musical identity today. Being 7 tracks long works well to convey True’s narrative because any longer and tits pure filler, going against the poised positive transformative decisions the protagonist makes. Dev Hyne’s distinct new wave, indie-funk sound is splattered across the record to help reinforce the protagonist’s (and Solange’s) identity as being girl-next-door / daydream pastel-coloured innocence. True's sounds and themes are undeniably inspired by 80s classics Janet Jackson’s Control and Madonna’s Like A Prayer too which both examined similar ideas of regaining control with composure within a young woman’s life.
‘Losing You’ introduces the project's character who contemplates and finally decides to end her current relationship. The song's ternary structures repeat “I’m not the one you should be making your enemy” and “Tell me the truth boy am I losing you for good”, which reinforce her breakup decision to her partner, saying it to him once realistically and once seemingly apologetic - like how it mostly is in reality. Solange showcases her musicianship by delivering these lines using staccato to emphasise each, mostly monosyllabic, word of the character’s decision for clarity. Solange immediately creates complexity in the character’s nature and journey in the contrasting songs ‘Some Things Never Seem to F**king Work’ and ‘Lovers in the Parking Lot’. The character experiences being both the protagonist and the antagonist in lovers spats. It’s to self-realise what it feels like being on the giving and receiving end of romantic antics.
Uncommonly, the antagonist is filled with regret having “played around with your heart”, having the inability to commit to her relationship and admitting a rational explanation that ‘young love’ is irrational and temperamental (but it’s confusing because she’s still hung up on him). Other young girl experiences are explored like having a deep love for a bad boy, desperation for the declaration of love from your lover and an introspection into one’s identity. The record's ending falsetto provides a melancholic feel which leaves the listener assuming that the character has learned from her life experiences and is naively yearning for (or dreaming about) obtaining real substance soon.
