There is something about soul music that has always won my attention, and that’s the ease at which you can sing along and the rich melodies involved.
So when I got the opportunity to review the latest EP that’s making the rounds in town, “My Name Is Freedom” EP by Estelle California, I was all smiles because I knew there is something wonderful in the entire mix, especially coming from this soul-singing sensation. And boy, this EP is dope. In short, it exceeded my expectations.
Before we delve into the EP review proper, here is something to know about the singer.
Who is Estelle California?
Estelle California is a talented singer and a songwriter. She was born in France, a piano freak that started playing the instrument at the age of 5. After completing a course in saxophone and a program in opera, Estelle moved to South Africa after experiencing some challenging times growing up in France where she suffered mental and physical abuse. In 2013, she left South Africa to Oakland, California. She immediately fell in love with CA and changed her stage name to reflect her love for the state.
Estelle draws immense inspiration from her music, something she hoped will help change the world around her, and you can tell that from the lyrics of this EP.
Below is a track-by-track review of the “My Name Is Freedom” EP.
Track-by-Track Review of the MY Name Is Freedom EP by Estelle California
1.) Star
The EP starts with this super socially conscious song, which is the hallmark of the entire EP. The lyrics in the “Star” are highly relatable and the entire universe can relate to this song given its powerful underlining message.
Estelle starts the song with a super addictive hook/intro that defines the direction of the music. “Nobody is gonna make forget, cause I know my name now…my name is freedom…” are the super cute opening lines that follow the killer wordings “My name is star.”
When you’re a star, you’ll never give up hope of freedom. You will fight for liberation and set the captives and the oppressed free. This song introduces you to Estelle’s big heart and plans for humanity. Her soprano vocals add grit and bang to the deft piano key touches, percussion and jazz trends that make this song a success.
What an opening hit!
2.) Who Are You
“Who Are You” is the track that showcases Estelle’s awareness of people’s emotions around her and how she also connects with their emotional feelings as well. The lyrics have in-depth meaning, asking soul-touching questions that many of us are afraid to ask, about color, status, perceptions and one’s inner belief and self-love definition.
“Who Are You” brings to the fore the nature of humanity and how quickly we make decisions based on divisions. The emotions on this song are sprawling, very vivid, and intense. Estelle vocals are clear, delivered on the wavelengths of a firm percussion, guitar, and bands that project the track’s meaning to listeners in an understandable way.
3.) Black Is the True Light
For those who have suffered from subconscious racism, this is one song you can sing with confidence, knowing you are not the inferior species racist and white supremacists classified you to be.
“Black Is The True Light” is an emotionally charged song, which highlights the fact that Estelle is highly aware and shares in the emotions and suffering of the people around her. This song is a tribute to and solidarity with the African American communities in the U.S and elsewhere in the world who have consistently fought against divisions and hatred. The jazz and percussions vibe blends perfectly with the overall rendition.
Estelle also uses the song to highlight how she successfully fought and won over adversity. “Black is the voice of freedom” is deep, raw lyrical flow any sane person would relate with easily.
4.) The Land Of Freedom
Here is another tribute song, this time to America’s role and contribution to fighting and ensuring that people are “free” everywhere they are. Again, the lyrics here are raw, yet melodic, with lots of personifications. Estelle’s vocals exude that soul-sound touch, packed with beautiful percussive power.
While you may not agree with the underlining message of the song, considering the political divide and racial discrimination in the country, one cannot deny that this is a true and commanding song for the patriots—a clarion call to love America again.
5.) Grateful
On “Grateful,” Estelle delivers a thank-you song to the creator of the universe. “I’m grateful to be given this life of mine…” are catchy words that show the singer has left a stage of pain and mental imbalance to appreciating her current position in life. You can tell this from another line “beauty often spring from atrocity…,” admitting that her past traumatic experiences and physical abuse that once build a wall of revenge in her were what emboldens her to succeed against the odds, and she’s glad to be relishing the moment.
Estelle vocals on this one flow along with a ballad-like rhythm with clusters of sparse electronic and plenty of percussion beats. The song is a perfect combination of soul, pop and jazz to create a solid international feel. This is another great song for the grateful heart.
6.) Star (Radio Edit)
You can describe “Star (Radio Edit)” as a continuation of or a sequel to the opening track, “Star”. Here, Estelle continues to wear her humanistic and emotionally opened heart on her artistic sleeve to share with her listeners her deeply felt social issues instead of making it personal.
In this song, Estelle amplifies her declared message of complete freedom and independence while also reemphasizing the concept of empowerment and spirituality. Aside from the quick-to-grasp lyrical rendition, Estelle’s clean vocals make the song even more relatable.
What a way to close a nice project that boasts of powerful messages about justice, freedom, and spirituality. Estelle has used this captivating “My Name Is Freedom EP” to state that after a period of fear, disappointment, and loneliness you can channel your hopes and dreams’ burning energy into helping and making others happy through a show of kindness.
Link to the EP:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3qjd6AdW4adhktEV34ZQEq
Other links:
https://youtu.be/C2Dp4WD-5N8
https://www.facebook.com/estellecalifornia/
https://www.instagram.com/estellecalifornia/