"E" for "emotion" is the first poem and starts the album all together. Starting with "E" for "emotion" and ending with "I" for "Inner," Mai makes an acrostic poem of her name and aligns each letter with a word she integrates thematically throughout the album. The most intriguing part of the album are all of the hidden poems she includes at the ends of some tracks. She nabs some incredible features from other R&B artists like Chris Brown, John Legend, and H.E.R. New lovers have to sort out their cascade of sentiments and each track touches on these experiences.Ĭlaiming her spot within the genre on songs like "Dangerous," which utilizes haunting synths and an explosive afro beat, and "Sauce," which harnesses the moody sound of the Rhodes keyboard to compliment her shameless attitude, Mai is commenting on young love in a soulful and intimate way. With dynamic and harmonious vocals sitting on top of polished production, the spellbinding album takes you on an emotional journey of new love that explores every desire, question, reservation, and risk someone may find themselves feeling.
Starting to make waves on the scene, Ella Mai delivers an infectious body of work that will have you riding the vibe train into the wee hours of dawn. R&B has an exposed and artful aspect to it that requires baring one's soul.