UMI "Open Up" Single Review
UMI is a bright and exciting up and coming talent. Specializing in the modernization of R&B, UMI has released two EPs so far, Interlude (2018) and Love Language (2019). The Seattle born-California based artist keeps up her momentum with plans to release her third EP Introspection on June 21st of this year. She dropped the first song, the title track, in early May. A few weeks later, UMI dropped the second track entitled “Open Up.” Accompanied by an angelic yet sullen visualizer, UMI artfully expresses the genuine pain and strife that comes with self growth on her new song. In particular, UMI laments on having to let go of a partner she cared deeply about because she saw the importance of working on herself in order to fully love others.
“Open Up” begins with a simple rhythmic acoustic guitar melody. The bass drum comes in followed by UMI’s voice. She establishes her vulnerability early into the track by singing the first few lyrics modestly on her own. It is not until the verse moves in the direction of the pre chorus that UMI employs vocal flourishes, harmonies, and ad libs. As the vocal production builds on itself, so does the instrumental. In the same progression, what started as guitar and bass drum becomes layered with hi hats, electronic piano, and synthesizers. On “Open Up,” UMI utilizes the layering of her soundscape wisely. Effects move in and out, more pronounced in the chorus and bridges than in the verses and pre chorus. In this way, UMI uses the production of the song itself to emphasize the trouble she has with “opening up” to others.
On the meaning of the track, UMI said in an interview with Rated R&B that “Open Up” is about “‘...that feeling before a breakup when you’re torn between the guilt of hurting someone else and doing what’s best for you. Capturing my inner dialogue, this song is a moment of introspection.” The intensity of this inner dialogue is expressed in the lyrical content of the track. In the first verse, UMI admits to feeling as if she is not being her true self with her lover. She is afraid of the person she actually is. UMI comes to the realization that she can never be there for her partner if she is not there for herself. In the chorus, UMI expresses the desire to feel and give love but knows that her negative feelings about herself have made her unable to do so. However, UMI takes this loss in stride. In the outro, the singer repeats the lyric “I really wanna open up for you.” She does not intend to be closed off forever. UMI aspires to work on herself in order to better love those around her. “Open Up” is a beautiful reminder to acknowledge your mistakes, recommit to intentions of bettering yourself, and to work on being there for the ones we love.
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