The R&B singer makes a comeback with a music video following two-years away from the limelight, much to the delight of fans.
New Music Friday is here, yay! This round of releases also sees a brand new EP from British singer Ella Mai.
She dropped the EP in celebration of her birthday, titled 3 (her favourite number), which features the same number of tracks, including her new single Little Things. It’s been a while since her last release, so fans are rightfully joyous regarding the news.
Fluttering around the R&B space, she fuses elements from classic eras and is a favourite in the genre, both at home and across the pond. This new release marks a trimuphant return after a two-year hiatus following the birth of her first child.
What’s It About?
It holds personal significance for the artist serving as a tribute to her boyfriend, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Alluding to their commitment, she remarks how the small things in a relationship can have a big impact.
She and Tatum recently got matching tattoos of the number 3 behind their ears to celebrate the arrival of their first child a few months ago. Her new ink is visible on the EP’s cover art (above).
In a social media post, Mai expressed her gratitude to listeners, exclaiming that the new release is a gift to “them all” on her birthday, saying she missed them “3 times over.”
What You Need To Know
Inspired by artists including Mariah Carey and Aliyah, her sound can be described as a sonic resurgence of this style, with a contemporary vibe. She signed with Interscope and 10 Summers Records in 2014 after DJ Mustard, a hip-hop producer, discovered her by chance on Instagram. Her last album Heart On My Sleeve was a smash hit, charting at number 15 on the US Billboard 200.
The EP features two more songs and help to revise the tempo for each track. Hearts On Deck opens to a mellow composition, before progressing into the fast paced and dance worthy One Of These. Since her debut smash hit Boo’d Up, the artist has come a long way, developing her sound into one that retains her vocal identity, while crafting a new style to fit a more practiced composure.
Verdict
Ella Mai’s incredible voice and production curation are what the scene needs right now. With a brace of nostalgic vibes and her impeccable voice, there’s simply nothing to dislike.
Appealing to everyone through a range of tempos, it’s fair to say that all tastes are catered to. Mai demonstrates that this is her game, and and she is making the rules.
Music Video and Reaction
The EP’s release coincided with the reveal of a lyric video that has already racked up more than half a million views. It features Mai on the set of a photoshoot against a forest-green backdrop. As the photographer darts around capturing shots, each word softly and pensively scrawls across the screen.
EXPLORE RELATED CONTENT: Samara Joy Ends The Wait For New Album ‘Portrait’
Fans who tuned in to hear the new song chimed in with their own thoughts. One viewer commented, “It’s refreshing to hear music that gives gratitude to their person and not bashing each other,” while another said: “Ella really carrying the 90’s R&B vibe on her back.”
Where Can I Stream or Buy It?
It is available to stream on most platforms, including the usual suspects like Spotify and Apple Music. A 10″ vinyl edition is available directly from the Interscope store, presented in a light-tinted green colour described as ‘coke bottle clear,’ and is priced at $18. It will begin shipping on the 3rd of January 2025.
Leave a Reply