Liv.e, also known as Olivia Williams, is an up-and-coming musician who has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. Her debut album, “Couldn’t Wait to Tell You…” was critically acclaimed and marked Liv.e as one to watch. Now, Liv.e is back with her sophomore album, “Girl in the Half Pearl,” and it’s safe to say that she has outdone herself.
“Girl in the Half Pearl” is a concept album that explores Liv.e’s experiences as a Black woman in America. The album takes its name from a line in Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” and the themes of the album are similarly inspired by Hurston’s work. Liv.e has said that the album is her attempt to “write the soundtrack to the life of a young Black girl growing up in America,” and she has succeeded in doing just that.
The album begins with “Lessons From My Mistakes…But I Lost Your Number,” a track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song is a hauntingly beautiful piano ballad that showcases Liv.e’s soulful voice and introspective lyrics. It’s a song that will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening to the album.
The album then moves into “SirLadyMakemFall,” a track that features Liv.e’s unique flow and jazz-influenced beats. The song is a tribute to Liv.e’s grandmother, who she describes as a “strong, independent woman who taught me how to be fearless.” It’s a powerful track that celebrates the strength and resilience of Black women.
The album’s lead single, “How It Made Me Feel,” is a standout track that features a sample from Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” The song is a meditation on Liv.e’s struggles with mental health and the way that society often marginalizes and stigmatizes those who struggle with mental illness. It’s a deeply personal and honest track that is sure to resonate with listeners.
Another standout track on the album is “The Cypher.” The song features a guest verse from Earl Sweatshirt and showcases Liv.e’s talent for storytelling. The song is a commentary on the state of hip-hop and the way that the genre has become dominated by corporate interests. It’s a powerful track that speaks to the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s art.
Overall, “Girl in the Half Pearl” is an album that is sure to cement Liv.e’s status as one of the most exciting new voices in R&B and hip-hop. The album is a testament to Liv.e’s talent as a singer, rapper, and songwriter, as well as her ability to weave together a narrative that is both personal and universal. It’s an album that deserves to be listened to from start to finish, and it’s one that is sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished listening.
In conclusion, Liv.e’s “Girl in the Half Pearl” is a remarkable album that explores the experiences of a young Black woman in America with honesty, vulnerability, and heart. It’s an album that is sure to resonate with listeners of all backgrounds and one that is sure to make Liv.e a household name. If you haven’t listened to “Girl in the Half Pearl” yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
