The duo of Abner and Harper James, best known as Eighty Ninety, ended last year with the release of their self-titled debut album. The album was a reflection of the brothers’ lush indie pop style, complete with diaristic lyrics, tender vocals, and empathetic soundscapes. Fans were able to connect with familiar singles on the project, such as the previously released “The Hard Way” and “2 Carat,” as well as fresh tracks like “I’ll Be There” and “Conspiracy Theorist.” As Eighty Ninety refrained from releasing a quick follow-up to the album, listeners have had almost a whole year to connect with these songs and add them to the soundtrack of their lives. But now, Abner and Harper are back and ready to start their next chapter with “Yourself.”
A forward-moving single with layers of soft percussion and energetic beats, “Yourself” is a compelling ride through a relationship. It pulls at the heartstrings as the lyrics explore subtle yet intimate moments between two people that can make or break their connection. It gives listeners an essential message about the actions or cues we could miss on the daily, and what it takes to find them. In the end, we get lines like, “Where did you go, what did I miss, I found it / Think I understand / You have to give yourself to something or it slips out of your hand,” rounding out the purpose of the song.
Telling us more about “Yourself,” Abner shares,
“‘Yourself’ is about the quiet disconnect that can exist between two people, even when they’re physically close — and how easily things slip away when you’re not fully present and when you’re not giving yourself over to something. We tried to capture those small, unnoticed moments that eventually add up, leaving you wondering what exactly you missed along the way until you realize what you missed wasn’t ‘something’- it was everything.”
You can listen to “Yourself” here.
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