Ella Mai Has Us All Trippin’
Ella Mai has had one heck of a year. The slow burning buzz turned boil of her hit single, “Boo’d Up” has made the British singer a household name. Although the song caught fire over a year after its release, her entire Ready EP was more than a solid effort. Now, fast forward to the release of her first studio LP, the self titled Ella Mai.
Her new single, “Trip” is already catching the attention of listeners. The song finds her apologizing for being irrational in her relationship. Her smooth, almost nonchalant style and prissy tomboy looks make her irresistible. However, she’s not afraid to reveal her darker side on songs like the bold, uptempo “Whatchamacallit”, featuring Chris Brown. The song details the yearning of wanting to be in a side relationship, while already being committed to someone else. It was Chris Brown who originally shared “Boo’d Up” on his timeline, which sparked the song’s popularity.
DJ Mustard is at the helm of most of the album’s production credits, as he is for most of her previous work. Her lyrical content and vocal prowess is well beyond her years on songs like the vulnerable ballad, “Naked”. She turns up the sass meter on songs like the cocky, “Good Bad”. Here, she sings, “So what if I wake up with an attitude”. The slinky, synthesized uptempo cut, “Dangerous” finds Ella Mai effortlessly weaving in and out of low to high octaves. She details a real love that’s so good it’s scary (“There’s no one else I trust….that makes this dangerous”).
“Sauce” and “Cheap Shot” showcase her sexier side. Her melodies are more free flowing on these tracks. The latter will likely be a fan favorite and could even be a strong contender for a single. Honestly, Ella Mai has tracks that are better than others but there are no weak links here. Take “Shot Clock” for instance. She calls out a man who has interest in her, but is taking too long to show his affection. This one definitely has a slick 90s inspired groove that can’t be denied.
John Legend lends his vocals on the tender love declaration, “Everything”. Their voices blend together nicely, as they sing about their respective appreciation for their lovers. “Own It” is perhaps the most surprising song on the album. Although Ella Mai is undeniably sexy, she still exudes an aura of innocence. The song samples the Adina Howard and Jamie Foxx cult classic, “T-Shirt and Panties”. She’s talking about tasting a whole damn plate of it and turning the night into morning. Well, alright then. I’m here for it.
Ella Mai and H.E.R. team up for a steamy exploration of their intuitive instincts of a love going sour on “Gut Feelings”. However, “Close” offers a contrast of supreme security with a man she can’t do without. “Come and kiss up on me,” she coos. Ella Mai cleverly details all of the emotions, thrills and pitfalls of love. She sums up the sentiment that we all want love to be effortlessly perfect on the album’s closer, “Easy”. Love may not be easy; but, loving Ella Mai’s music sure is.