Music
Eric Cohen’s “On The Edge (Choir Version)” a Soul-Baring Hip-Hop Masterpiece
Eric Cohen’s latest single, “On The Edge (Choir Version),” poised to make waves in the hip-hop world, is a poignant and profoundly soul-baring expression of the artist’s journey through darkness and into the light of life, set against hauntingly beautiful music. Released on August 15, 2023, this track showcases Cohen’s remarkable evolution as an artist and his ability to channel raw emotions into his music.
Cohen, a Kansas City singer and hip-hop artist primarily known for his songwriting skills, has boldly stepped out of his comfort zone into the spotlight to lay down vocals with this release. While he may not consider himself a traditional vocalist, his delivery on “On The Edge (Choir Version)” is remarkable. It’s clear that this leap of faith has paid off immensely as he willingly poured his heart and soul into this music, and the result is a powerful and emotionally charged musical experience.
The authenticity of “On The Edge (Choir Version)” shines through in every note. Recorded in Cohen’s basement, the song carries an intimate, raw quality that draws listeners in from the beginning. The production, handled by Uptown Productions, is top-notch, setting a somber and reflective tone that perfectly complements Cohen’s evocative lyrical narratives.
Cohen’s musical influences are diverse, ranging from the iconic Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to the legendary Janis Joplin and the soulful talents of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mac Miller, and Toby Mac. This exclusive mix of influences is evident in how he approaches his lyrics, seamlessly blending classic rock blues and a unique perspective to the hip-hop genre.
What truly sets “On The Edge (Choir Version)” apart is its deeply personal and introspective lyrics. Cohen doesn’t shy away from addressing his struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide. Instead, he uses his music as a powerful tool for catharsis and healing throughout his life’s struggles. It’s a heart-wrenching yet uplifting expression of his journey from a past filled with darkness and pain to a present illuminated by purpose and inspiring redemption. The song is a heartfelt cry to a higher power for strength and salvation, ultimately leading him to find solace in his faith.
Cohen’s story is one of transformation and resilience, a testament to the power of music as a means of self-discovery, turning his suffering into empowerment. His experiences have led him to spiritual inspiration and bring others hope and peace, including regular ministry work in a juvenile detention facility, which shines through in his music.
In a world where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, Eric Cohen’s “On The Edge (Choir Version)” is a brave and refreshing reminder of the strength of embracing our true selves and sharing our struggles with the world. This is more than just a song; it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s a path to the light, and Eric Cohen’s music is a guiding star along that journey. This track deserves a special place in the playlist of any hip-hop enthusiast, not just for its musical brilliance but for its emotional depth and authenticity.
As Cohen continues exploring new dimensions of his artistry, “On The Edge (Choir Version)” provides a promising glimpse into what the future holds for this talented Kansas City artist. Take advantage of this hip-hop masterpiece that’s equal parts cathartic and inspiring.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Eric Cohen’s “On The Edge (Choir Version)“ on Spotify.
Artist Spotlight
LYIA META’s Dazzling Jazz Album Release “Always You”
Prepare to be enchanted by the unparalleled talents of multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and visual artist Lyia Meta as she unveils her latest masterpiece, “Always You.” With an exceptionally rare contralto vocal range that defies convention and a unique musical style that effortlessly melds jazz, soul, pop, and blues influences, Lyia Meta has once again proven her status as a global sensation among the music industry’s elite.
Lyia Meta, the Malaysian sensation, released her latest album, “Always You,” on June 16, 2023, and is set to captivate the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing her musical endeavor that transcends boundaries. This exquisite 8-track musical album combines jazz, soul, and pop, showcasing Lyia’s unparalleled vocal prowess and lyrical depth that takes listeners on an unmatched emotive depth, infusing each song with a lyrical masterpiece.
The 1st track, titled “Always You,“ exudes nostalgia, a sultry and dreamy ode to love reminiscent of the timeless allure of the Rat Pack era of jazz and blues. Lyia’s contralto vocal range takes center stage, weaving a captivating narrative of love’s enduring appeal.
As the album unfolds, listeners are treated to diverse emotions and melodies. In “Never Enough Time,“ the 2nd track, Lyia’s vocals tug at the heartstrings of a soulful Jazz ballad lasting 4:55 minutes, while the 3rd track, “It’s Up To You“ (04:15 minutes), intricately explores the complexities of love with a jazz sensibility.
“For You,“ the fourth track, is a 04:15 minute heartfelt Jazz melody that explores the yearning and struggle to rekindle a lost relationship with poignant lyrics like, “Do you wish on the stars to have me back? I want to know.” “Save Me,“ the fifth track, delves into the craving for intimacy and attention, set to a melodic Jazz-pop song with a runtime of 3:30 minutes.
“As We Throw Caution To The Wind“ (03:38 minutes), the sixth track, sets the perfect atmosphere for a romantic entanglement, and “To Know What It’s Like“ (04:40 minutes) 7th track takes listeners on a deeper dive into the mysteries of love a soulful journey of self-discovery. The 8th and last track of the album closes with “My Dream Lover,“ which weaves a nostalgic tale of falling in love within the realm of dreams, leaving a lasting impression with a runtime of 04:43 minutes.
Lyia Meta’s “Always You” is a testament to her unwavering commitment to authenticity and musical innovation. Her exceptional vocal performances, intertwined with a seamless fusion of jazz, soul, and more, redefine the boundaries of music and mark her as a rising star in the industry.
Lyia Meta has carved her niche with this album’s release following earning accolades like ‘Best Album’ and ‘Best Female Vocalist’ at the 2022 Global Music Awards. With an inspiring voice that effortlessly traverses the worlds of blues and classical music, she is admired alongside renowned artists like Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse, proving her worldwide popularity and musical prowess.
Lyia Meta’s “Always You” offers audiences worldwide a captivating and soulful musical journey that can now be streamed on various platforms. This unforgettable indie experience is a must-have for any Jazz aficionado’s playlist. Watch out for future album releases, which will become timeless classics.
For more information about Lyia Meta, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lyia Meta’s “Always You” on Spotify.
Featured
Singer/Songwriter Robert LaRoche Releases New Music
I’m no stranger to Robert LaRoche’s songwriting. Longtime songwriter, solo artist, and frontman for The Sighs, LaRoche enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter who commands respect from his peers and has a devoted following stretching back years. I approached his new solo release Forevermore with excitement. My faith in his abilities proved well-placed as LaRoche serves up ten songs rich with the accumulated experiences of a lifetime and brimming with the same unique talents that have secured his place in the modern indie music scene. For those familiar with him, Forevermore is a reaffirmation of his gifts while, for newcomers, it gives them an excellent place to start their discovery of his work.
Acoustic guitar is integral to this album and “Steal Your Heart” announces that from the first. This isn’t a folky singer-songwriter effort, however, as LaRoche’s decades-long experience fronting bands serves him well here and elsewhere. It’s a full-throated ensemble performance replete with satisfying changes and a lyric that veers between aching affection and borderline heartbreak. Zonder Kennedy’s guitar solo puts a fiery exclamation point on “Burn That Kingdom Down”, the album’s second song, but LaRoche’s lyrics are equally impressive. He writes and sings as if this were one of those songs that took a week or so to write and two decades to live. The sense of stakes is audible from beginning to end.
“Forevermore” is a strong title song. LaRoche aims for more of a mood piece with this cut and the diverse instrumentation he utilizes for the collection surfaces here in a pronounced way. He frames the unattainable object of LaRoche’s desire at the heart of this song in tasteful poetic lyrics that he’s well suited for conveying with his voice. Vocal harmonies play an important role in fleshing out many of Forevermore’s songs and sweeten the obvious vulnerability underlying a song such as “Safter Inside”. It adopts the same semi-brisk pace as many of the release’s other songs but never feels rushed.
He serves up a nuanced song about lost love with “Temporary Virtue” and mature listeners will appreciate his unique take on the subject. There’s heartache and regret galore throughout this lyric. LaRoche and the sensitive arrangement conspire well to communicate those emotions. It lays his heart bare in a more direct fashion, at least musically than some of the preceding songs while being no less effective. The rueful “Traitorous Heart” gains a lot of traction from the contrasting laid back character of its arrangement and LaRoche’s scornful lyrics. He lays out betrayal and undermining behavior in a matter of fact manner. There are hints of the underlying resentment, however, provided by the song’s electric guitar passages.
This is a thoroughly successful release from beginning to end. Robert LaRoche deserves fulsome praise for his ability to write about a subject as old as song itself, love, in such an individualistic fashion. He isn’t remaking the songwriting wheel with Forevermore, but he pours old wine into new bottles with a skillfulness that deserves our applause and attention.
Jamie Morse
