Bay Area-raised, Portland-based chanteuse Zyah Belle continues to prove she's one of today's most promising voices in R&B on her new single, "Deserve" from her highly anticipated EP, "Are You Still Listening?" Introducing Belle as a true maverick in the musical world, Belle tells it like it is, and in the case of this song, it's like she is shouting it for all the world to hear and leading by example. "Deserve" captures you from the first beat with its richly-layered production and brushed, muted grooves, giving Belle's signature deep, smoke-soaked croon a well-suited stage.
There's a casual authority to her delivery, as if we're being welcomed into an intimate zone where she is the one in control. Every note feels deliberate, a testament to her skill not just as a singer but as a songwriter, producer, and arranger. With "Deserve," she delves into questions of self-worth, desire, and recognition, as well as her own maturation and artistic development. It's a fine line, openness and confidence, and she bounces on it with the sort of offhand grace of a well-practiced artist. Belle's dedication to living in her sound, experimenting, stretching, and showing up honestly makes "Deserve" more than a single, but an experience.
Her sense of musicality, however, coupled with an unwavering sense of self, keeps the track living well. Fans of R&B and Neo-Soul will appreciate its texture, while newcomers will be captivated by the authenticity and magnetism that she exudes. With "Are You Still Listening?," and particularly with stand-out moments such as "Deserve," Zyah Belle commands attention. In a crowded field of newly developing voices, Belle proves why she's already garnering the attention of industry stalwarts and listeners alike. If this is the level of artistry she's turned into song now, the future is bright, and the world would be wise to listen carefully.
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