Ever since first hearing H.E.R., we've been caught up in the singer/songwriter's mystery. Her first EP, H.E.R. Vol. 1, had us deep in our feels as it found her mining the emotional side of relationships. The cool, blue color of the EP's cover dictated the kind of somber, melancholy mood that lay ahead. So what are we to make of the amber glow of H.E.R. Vol 2.? Well, it seems that the mysterious songstress aims at warmer territory for this collection, offering a welcome introduction to her more sensual side in the process.
The first thing you'll notice listening to Vol. 2 is that sex is most definitely on her mind. She starts the festivities with "Every Kind Of Way," a sweet slow jam about loving whichever way you want to give it. She continues the pillow talk with "Say It Again," which is a lot more direct and demanding. For this one, she let's a modern, throbbing musical backdrop for a much more direct request to get between the sheets. She leaves the bedroom for a moment on "Still Down," "Avenue," "I Won't" and "Changes," where she deals with some of the aspects of relationships, from emotional distance, to dissatisfaction and the need to be seen by the one that you love. However, she's back to the carnal side of things by the time closer "Lights On" and its wavy, electric sexuality oozes its way through your speakers.
While the icy cool of her first effort intrigued us, it did leave us feeling as if she wanted to keep her distance from the audience. However, H.E.R. Vol. 2 and the warmer feel of its production makes it seem as if she's bringing us in closer and letting us get to know her just a little better. Maybe, just maybe, she'll eventually drop the facade and let us fully see the artist behind the shadowy image.
H.E.R. H.E.R. Vol. 2 [Amazon][iTunes]
TAGS: audio, H.E.R.