Recommended Tracks: “There Goes My Heart”, “Outside”, and “Bonus”
Similar Artists: Kehlani, SZA, Bryson Tiller
Grammy award-winning R&B artist Ella Mai has released her third studio album, Do You Still Love Me?.
The album marks a new era for the British singer, as her last studio album, Heart On My Sleeve, was released almost 4 years ago. Do You Still Love Me? boasts 14 tracks that follow the story of love, relationships, and the minute details and complexities in between. The album was produced by long-time collaborator Mustard, and there is one collaboration with gospel artist Kirk Franklin, titled “No Angels.”
There is a push and pull that is palpable at the beginning of the album, with Mai seemingly resisting the connection to another while still acknowledging the growing feelings of affection in her heart. Tracks like “There Goes My Heart Again” and “Somebody’s Son” embody this energy perfectly. It is apparent that she has her guard up at first, and it comes down, back up, and down again as the relationship progresses.
The middle of the album finds itself in the midst of the relationship as it has finally formed. Tracks like “Little Things” and “Luckiest Man” portray the good times in the connection, with Mai soulfully singing lyrics, “And I never thought I’d end up with the man of my dreams, you really him / Luckiest man to be on my side.” This section of Do You Still Love Me? balances Mai’s appreciation for her partner and her confidence as a lover and what she brings to the relationship.
As the album moves further along, listeners are met with songs that explicitly describe a betrayal that Mai experiences in the relationship, and her honest reaction. The tracks “Might Just” and “Tell Her” put Mai’s partner and his ex on notice, as she sings, “I will burn this whole thing down / I don’t stand in no lines.”
Towards the end of Do You Still Love Me? we are given a “grown and sexy” track titled “Bonus”, which is the most seductive song on the album. The track is bouncy and expansive, making it a standout in terms of sound and lyrical focus.
The last few tracks wrap up the album with conflicting feelings, from loving your partner as much as you did on the first day, to feeling distant and wanting to hold onto one’s identity, to finally acknowledging that one should enjoy the time they have in a relationship with someone else, no matter how imperfect it is.
The last track of the album, “No Angels,” pleasantly closes it out with beautiful choral vocals as Ella Mai and Kirk Franklin sing in the outro, “I would say, ‘We should be grateful’ / Grateful, we ain’t no angels.” “No Angels” is definitely another track that sonically stands out from the rest of the album, and it ends it with a sense of gratitude and acceptance.
Overall, the album stays true to Ella Mai’s signature R&B sound, but it does expand her discography in a way that is mature and candid. Do You Still Love Me? is another well-crafted album that not only further solidifies Ella Mai’s standing with her fans, but it also welcomes in new listeners who may not typically float in the realm of R&B.
You can stream Do You Still Love Me? below.
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