REVIEW: “shadow of you” - Haunting, Honest and Heartbreaking
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY NTHATILE MAVUSO ☆
Celine Wanyi marks a striking return and rebrand with the achingly beautiful single, “Shadow of You” - a mesmerizing alternative R&B track that explores the depths of heartbreak, self-discovery, and healing without reservation. Collaborating with renowned producer Jacob Ray, the track’s surreal and lush production with emotionally-charged lyricism and understated vocals not only highlights her growth as a songwriter, but also as a producer.
The song’s atmospheric synths and moody melodies create an immersive backdrop for Wanyi’s introspective storytelling. Her ability to navigate themes of loss and disappointment is showcased in lyrics that reflect the spiraling, almost destructive journey of struggling to move on from a past relationship. Wanyi’s vocals are seamless, and they embody the charm in vulnerability. On the track, she grapples with the loss of a lover and how quickly that person became unfamiliar. Now there is a struggle to reconcile who she knew, and what she knows now. It is an age-old R&B theme, but it could never get tired because romance and heartbreak have a permanent place in our loves. Wanyi’s voice embodies this grief while honing masterful songwriting.
Wanyi is known for her impressive four octave range and a multicultural background that adds depth to how transcendental and relatable her songs are. With “Shadow of You,” Celine Wanyi embarks on a bold new chapter, reintroducing herself and solidifying her unique space within the alternative R&B genre. Her music is globally resonant, and unabashedly vulnerable.
