When creator Robin Antin was looking for a new all-girl group to replace the successful Pussycat Dolls, who disbanded in 2010, Antin brought together the talents of Lauren Bennett, Natasha Slayton, Simone Battle, Emmalyn Estrada, and Paula van Oppen to form G.R.L., and the girls quickly released cute and infectious efforts such as "Vacation" (Smurfs 2 soundtrack) and "Ugly Heart", as well as a accompanying extended play that unfortunately all came and went by with little notice or fanfare.
Then, in 2014, with the untimely, heartbreaking passing of member Simone Battle, and the release of memorial single "Lighthouse", the original group line-up disbanded, leaving just Bennett and Slayton to carry on the pop name. Now, with the addition of Jazzy Mejia, the seemingly new and improved, trio-strong G.R.L. share the dancefloor, slightly narcissistic "Kiss Myself", an re-introduction that hints at the direction of a possible full length future effort.
"Kiss Myself" steers the trio into straightforward dance/pop territory, shedding the slight folk inspirations of "Ugly Heart". And unlike the somber ballad approach of "Lighthouse", the recently released effort is a high energy, sass-filled ode to loving one's self. Whether one will view the effort as an anthem for the vain and egotistical, the lyrical content of the upbeat club jam shows that G.R.L. are trying to send out a completely different message.
Empowering and carefree, the debut single presses listeners to shake off the haters and naysayers, in order to focus on their own well-being. "If they don't love you, gotta love yourself, don't let them be above you, think about no one else," the girls sing on a commanding yet endearing verse, before the chorus powers through, one that would not be given justice unless danced and vogued in the middle of technicolor strobe lights in a crowded nightclub.
Though the girls of G.R.L. have faced tremendous hardship along the road towards deserved mainstream success, they've definitely persevered and an inspiring self love anthem like "Kiss Myself" seems earned and welcomed. The vocals of the three members are convincing and blend well together, the production supports the "rising from the ashes" vibe, and proves to be a radio-ready effort that deserves notice. For a new, fresh beginning, G.R.L. have done it right.
0 Yorumlar