We’re thrilled to welcome Von LaRae back to our blog! Since gracing us with his track “D.O.A.” in July 2022, LaRae has returned with a captivating 10-track album titled “A.D.O.N.I.S.” This offering is a rich tapestry of sounds, inspired by the late 90s R&B scene and legendary artists like Janet and Michael Jackson, Sade, and Donna Summer. LaRae takes us on a beautifully orchestrated journey through the complexities of love, exploring themes of desire, self-discovery, and empowerment.
The album opens with “Intro,” a hauntingly beautiful song that sets the mood for the introspective journey to come. LaRae’s breathy vocals weave a spell, hinting at a transformation and questioning our readiness to embrace it. The sparse production allows his voice to take center stage, leaving a lingering question in the air: “Are you ready to be mine?”
The next track, “Superstitions,” throws us into a confident and self-assured soundscape. LaRae’s vocals ooze smoothness as he declares independence over a backdrop of crisp production and soulful instrumentation. Lines like “I got all these dreams, I’m manifesting when I please” showcase his unwavering spirit, celebrating individuality and defying societal pressures. The infectious chorus is a declaration of self-love, urging us to embrace our unique beauty—a sentiment very much needed in today’s world.
With “Cotton Mouth (Interlude)” coming on as the album’s third track, this song begins in a hypnotic manner that will make listeners start moving their bodies, whether they’re good dancers or not. It will magically cause you to move. It is a smooth and smoky ballad that embodies the playful frustration of unspoken desires. LaRae’s vocals are breathy and seductive, weaving between wanting a deeper connection (“Tell me where you wanna go from here, baby”) and playful resignation (“Can we just keep it secret… I can be your favorite mistake?”). The lyrics paint a picture of unspoken desires and unspoken anxieties (“Bae, your cotton mouth is keepin’ you from sayin’ what you need to me”). The beautiful instrumentation, with a melancholic piano melody and a simple drumbeat, perfectly complements the theme, leaving listeners wanting more.
Von LaRae’s “Sade” is a simmering exploration of love’s complexities, set against the backdrop of a beautiful 90s R&B production. LaRae’s vocals are smooth and soulful, weaving between sensuality (“Mmm”) and frustration (“I beg to differ”). The lyrics paint a picture of a love that’s alluring yet confusing, a “sade groove” that feels more like a complicated dance (“Dancing around the truth”). The instrumentation is one of a kind, building tension with each insistent beat (“rough”). Ultimately, “Sade” leaves us suspended, questioning the nature of love and desire. The percussions are pretty straightforward and are just present to give momentum to the track.
With “Backwood,” LaRae delves into smokier territory. His vocals are languid and laced with breathy confessions (“Baby, does Backwood do it for you?”) and sultry promises (“I can take your pain and make you feel good”). And with lines like, “He gone buy the brick, buy the kilo,” the song hints at a darker side of love fueled by intoxication. Von LaRae’s delivery is pure seduction, a smoky haze of desire that lingers long after the song fades. And oh, the production is heavenly, layered with a hip-hop beat and swirling synths that evoke the late-night conversation between lovers, tinged with desire and a hint of danger.
The title track, “A.D.O.N.I.S.” is a sultry exploration of obsessive desire wrapped in a beautiful R&B soundscape. LaRae’s vocals are electric, echoing the lyrics “You got me feeling so electric,” as she craves the object of her affection’s attention. The production throbs with a steady bassline and shimmering synths, perfectly complementing the lyrics about a love that feels out of order: “Something’s out of line when you’re feeding me a potion, Moses.” The song’s title is chanted repeatedly, building a hypnotic spell that reflects the all-consuming nature of this intoxicating desire.
Von LaRae’s “Choosy” is a confident anthem wrapped in an ethereal soundscape. LaRae’s vocals are both smooth and assertive, reflecting the lyrics that navigate the complexities of modern relationships. The song warns potential suitors that he’s “choosy” and won’t settle for anything less than a genuine connection. The instrumentation, with its driving beat and funky bassline, pulsates with an energy that mirrors LaRae’s self-assured performance. The lyrics, “If you gon’ say you like it, better know that I am/ Choosy, Choosy,” become a powerful mantra, declaring his worth and demanding authenticity from a partner. “Choosy” is a refreshing take on female empowerment, delivered with an irresistible groove.
“Obsessed (Interlude)” is a captivating exploration of passionate desire that toes the line between obsession and affection. The lyrics, “Obsessed with you, I’m obsessed with you, I’m upset with you, I’m obsessed with you,” perfectly encapsulate the song’s theme of all-consuming fixation. LaRae’s vocals are smooth and breathy, weaving a spell with each note as he confesses his contradictory feelings. The production throbs with a decent, steady beat, punctuated by shimmering synths that mirror the intensity of his emotions. “Obsessed (Interlude)” is a short but potent dose of R&B seduction, leaving us wanting more.
Von LaRae’s “Ur So Pretty” is a captivating blend of 90s R&B and modern sensuality. The song throbs with a steady beat, overlaid by smooth synth chords that evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. LaRae’s vocals are breathy and confident, effortlessly gliding between declarations of affection (“You’re so pretty”) and playful dominance (“Got you strung and you’re big mad”). The lyrics paint a picture of an intoxicating new romance. Von seeks refuge from loneliness (“Take me out of solitaire”) and finds exhilaration in his partner’s attention (“Squeeze me little more/Tell me that I’m yours”). The vulnerability of “I see you see me” is countered by the possessiveness of “Don’t ever wanna let you go,” hinting at a complex dynamic.
Finally, the album closes with “Magic Carpet Ride,” a full-on dive into the thrilling uncertainty of new love. The lyrics, like “Come on over and fly / Come on over, get high,” pulsate with a desire to take a chance on a blossoming connection. LaRae’s vocals are smooth and expressive, soaring over the production. The instrumentation is warm and inviting, with a gentle guitar lick and a steady beat that perfectly complements LaRae’s yearning performance. The song cleverly uses the “magic carpet ride” metaphor to depict the intoxicating escape of falling for someone new. It’s a catchy and relatable exploration of the heady mix of excitement and vulnerability that comes with budding romance.
Overall, “A.D.O.N.I.S.” is a beautifully crafted album that showcases Von LaRae’s exceptional talent for storytelling and musical expression. His vocals are captivating, effortlessly navigating the various emotions that come with love. The production perfectly complements each song’s theme, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys R&B.
Listen to the “A.D.O.N.I.S.” album by Von LaRae on Spotify or SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Von LaRae here for more information.
