Itâs well known that Atlanta star Summer Walker loves music but dislikes the industry surrounding it. The interview-shy singer instead chooses to be vulnerable through her work. Scarcely ten months after catapulting herself to fame with debut album ‘Over It‘, she returns with an understated, emotional new EP, âLife On Earthâ where her saccharine voice delivers a sublime, vulnerable record that runs through a gamut of emotions; nourishment for these dark days.
As ever, it all comes down to her voice, one that is gentle yet looming throughout. No need for interviews and promotion if your words are this strong. Her continued, insightful explorations of relationships and break-ups â the good, the bad, the ugly â are universally resonant. On opener âLet It Goâ, produced by Atlanta’s London on da Track (Young Thug, Post Malone), Walker reflects on a relationship turned sour; âI thought I was changing you / I canât believe I praised you / You know your momma ainât raise you like that / look at your behaviour / thatâs why sheâs ashamed of youâ.
It’s bolstered with some fresh voices, too. Newcomer NO1-NOAH makes two appearances, producing and singing alongside Walker on âWhite Teeâ and âSWVâ. On both tracks, NO1-NOAH plays the role of the boyfriend opposite Walker. Couched in a familiar slow-drip of washed-out synths and barely-kissed hi-hats, the duo trade lines on the latter track, with NO1-NOAH asking, âWhat kind of love is this that youâre channelling? / Iâm hurting / this hurting / she canât have itâ.
Throughout âLife on Earthâ, Walker blends together contemporary soul and R&B, straddling contemplation, endurance, struggle and healing. She’s fed up on âWhite Teeâ and âMy Affectionâ, the latter track alongside Toronto producer and OVO-affiliate PartyNextDoor. âDeeper’, the EPâs closer, doubles as a sensual song for the bedroom and an ode to heartbreak. Here, Walker goes solo, showing off her range in singing, âEven though I don’t wanna show, emotions I’m open / Not the type to try and double back,â twice / Wishâ he had meâ ridin’ right back, back / I be cummin’â back to back.â
Where there may have been weaker, meandering tracks on her previous work, Walker has strengthened here. Her words float above the slowed-down R&B production, mainly handled by London on da Track and NO1-NOAH. Her work is cerebral and pensive, a way to contemplate and be present in the moment. Throughout the five tracks, Walkerâs lyrics never feel anthemic. Rather, they are personal, almost as if sheâs right there with you. Her words are a balm: comforting advice of an old friend through a Zoom call.
Details
- Release date: July 10
- Record label:Â LVRN/Interscope
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