#walker summer

Accompanied by a twelve minute long visual on Youtube, Summer Walker released a surprise EP entitled Clear. What struck me to share my thoughts on the project firstly was the fact that it was recorded all live. In the digital age I literally grew up in, such a thing is unheard of nowadays. Technology has advanced in a way that producers and engineers can take a couple programmed oos and ahhhs and create an entire song from it, without anyone ever picking up a microphone. So the fact that Summer took a simple yet powerful approach to her EP is greatly appreciated by a music purist such as myself. You cannot hide behind synthesizers and pitch correctors with a live fed mic.

Riot

“For my love, I need a riot”. With ample control of her voice, Summer explains to her lover that she needs their love to be a riot. From what I gathered, she doesn't mean confusion or violence as the title suggests but fire and spontaneity. This gem is under two minutes long and its lyrics are so powerful and ring true for many. Who wants a love that is without passion? Not I.

Grave

The only uptempo song on the EP comes with gusto. She is not taking any shit from anybody and is unapologetic about it. If you must tell her anything she does not want to hear Walker tells you to put the nonsense on her grave. I believe the story is truly told on the break down of the song. Her live band takes you to another place without the use of words just a few scats. And just like that, the song comes to an end.

Wasted

“Wanna get wasted off you”. Summer Walker uses the metaphor of getting drunk to describe the feelings of her lover. They have an effect on her as an unhealthy addiction. Feeling the burn of their love hit her throat as she consumes more than necessary or even safe.

Settling

‘I can't live with you, but I can't live without you”. Something we all grew up hearing we shouldn't do, settle for less than what we deserve. But as they say, when that love jones comes down on you it can be a MFer. Summer is clearly in love but knows she could do better. The bass guitar is the catalyst of the record. The low sounds of the instrument compliment the low tones of the vocals. To add to the drama of this track there is a sudden pause towards the middle of the song makes you think it is all over quickly picking back up where it left off. This reminded me of the uncertainty of love. One second everything is copacetic the next there is a jarring pause of fear then it subsides to a low hallow feeling.

|tiffanytorree|