TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
Forget about a fancy album rollout where big money is expended. Maybe sometimes a surprise drop is the best way to fully capture the attention of a listener base that craves the maturity of an artist's sound and content that have evolved for the better. Maybe it was the best way for Shekhinah to release her latest album, Less Trouble, a surprise project that dropped on the 8th of August via a terse Instagram announcement. Less Trouble is hearty; but in that vein, it does not diminish its capacity to set clear boundaries and proclaim a strong affirmation to move on from troublesome romantic excursions with grace.
It is this emotional agility that makes Less Trouble such a worthwhile and enjoyable listening experience. The South African RnB and pop singer expresses a profound desire not to wallow in unfortunate circumstances, connoting a shift from the content of youthful energy that dominated her 2021 album Trouble in Paradise. For an artist who has been conspicuously quiet since that time, Less Trouble feels befitting – as it comes off as an alluring array of soulful, bouncy, and funky pop and RnB sounds laced with a touch of Afrobeats to deliver a wholesome project.
The airy sounds on the latest album inform the themes of heartbreak and emotional healing that form the core of Shekhinah's graceful expression of what she's been going through. She is more assertive, and has a clear sense of what she wants. The opening track Break up Season affirms this, as she sings, “Trouble in your eyes/Every single time, all we do is fight/I’m getting really tired/I can’t shake this feeling, it’s break up season,” stating unequivocally that she has to dissociate from the repercussions of settling for less. It's not as easy as it seems though: on the track Hard to Leave, she admits how much of an immensely strenuous activity it is to attempt leaving an undesirable relationship. That despite being "ready to put it behind me," she still feels perennially tethered to the past, making it an uphill battle to leave.
Bare Minimum, which features fellow South African award-winning singer lordkez, rides on a melancholic wave, as Shekhinah delivers, "You won't get away with loving me in vain/I think it's time, we should just go our separate ways/Cause I'm now getting older/Think I need a do-over" – while lordkez chimes, "Nothing we can fix, it's way too late/Sitting on your couch is not a date". This disconsolate track is immediately followed by the assertive 27-second interlude New Casanova that sounds more of a "gotcha" situation as she beams about a new lover. Risk features the American-Ghanaian singer and songwriter MOLIY, making it a refreshing collaboration that gives balance to the album. On soft guitar strums, the two artists are unafraid to take on the risk of falling for someone, but do so with cautious optimism. It is as melodic as it gets, but grounded in the realization that the elemental experience of love comes with its fair share of risk—risk is an inevitable part of it all.
Spoonky features Amapiano star Young Stunna, adding to the strong line-up of collaborations that adorns Less Trouble. It's more of a happy outlook of love, conveying amply the sense that Shekhinah still believes in the resplendence of romantic affection. It is a feel good anthem. What follows are two versions of Steady, as there is a Part 2 with the same name. These two songs resemble the quintessence of RnB, with Shekhinah showing the emotional fortitude to make unhurried dives into love—yet still being confident of what she unapologetically desires: a holistic relationship in which she is at peace with herself, and feels seen and heard. Yes, you want me, but take it steady, and I'll reciprocate, is the message telegraphed by Shekhinah here. "Please play your part baby/I know what's best for me," she declares on Steady Pt 2. These are the words of someone willing to continuously give love a chance, but under clear terms and pace.
Less Trouble feels sunny in its conclusion, with a shining excellence in catchy melodies, sublime vocals, and optimistic outlook on love. It relays the idea that Shekhinah cherishes basking in the empowering aspect of romantic love. Too Good To Fail, featuring the brilliance of Mars Baby, mirrors this. "I'll wait till forever here for you," Mars Baby sings, as the track gently cascades into the last one on the album, Until Until. This final sonic exposition is a bold attestation of the healing that Shekhinah continuously strives to achieve; as she expresses an uninhibited resolve to fall in love again. And again. And again. And again. "Can we do this shit forever, babe?/Can we do this shit, until, until, until, until?" sends a clear message of deep yearning. There are no pretences: she wants another relationship, but this time, with less trouble. For eternity. We all embody that feeling each time we successfully give love another chance. Shekhinah's hopeful words are manifestly relatable. "I wanna let you in, my love/I wanna get busy, my love/You won't regret me/You won't regret being my love/I won't accept any old love/I got respect for me, I know/I'll make you happy." She knows what she wants. And that is what makes this album a worthwhile listen.
Album Rating: 7.8/10
You can stream Less Trouble by Shekhinah here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0Hz8dMfievPvgDBKII1Kgp?si=Eb-XJ_sgTbafovl5rrjQRw
0 Comments