British, Jamaican, and Nigerian artist Bianca Rose explores the intersection between real love and profound courage in “Skin” off her sophomore album, ‘If You Knew, Would You Care?’
follow our Today’s Song(s) playlist
Stream: “Skin” – Bianca Rose ft. Jake Isaac
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
I felt with “Skin” that it is my responsibility to let those I know in my life, community and sphere of influence, that I see them. I recognise their humanity, their strength, gentleness and beauty. It’s actually vital that I do.
We know that love is patient and kind, that it does not envy or boast. Though we must also recognize that it labors and toils, disobeys and deceives, struggles and perseveres. Bianca Rose’s “Skin” makes room for the intricacies of experience.
What I love about you
Is what some hate about you
Oh, what I love about you
I love your skin
What I know about you
Is what some would believe about you
Oh, what I know about you
You’re a good man
Rose’s ballad, is soft yet commanding. She sings with conviction; enveloping her lover in grace. Knowing the cruelty of outsiders and others, she pens an honest acknowledgement and embrace. She sings, “What I love about you/ Is what some hate about you/ Oh what I love about you/ I love your skin.“
Bianca Rose collaborates with Jake Isaac in “Skin,” where the dialogue between the artists is a firm and compassionate declaration of solidarity.
With repetitive lyrics and an amber atmosphere, “Skin” is notable for its gorgeous simplicity – featuring soft acoustic arpeggiations, breathy chorus harmonies, and rhythmic juxtapositions. The piano gently leads you to each cadence, accompanying the vocals in a rich harmony. Isaac and Rose’s voices come together like pieces of a puzzle.
So if they hate your skin
Let my love be your wings
I see you and I know you, babe
I love everything
Because you’re a good man (so good)
You’re just my good man
I’ll stand right beside you
Stay and I’ll hold your hand
Rose sings, “So if they hate your skin/ Let me love be your wings/ I see you and I know you babe/ I love everything.” There is freedom in this union, Isaac responds equivocally, declaring, “I see the truth about you/ There are lights all around you.” The truth glows with a warm ember. It is in love that we are seen and discovered.
Though it may sound lush and airy, the piece carries a message as relevant and pressing as ever.
“Skin” chooses to unmask beauty rather than underscore animosity. The piece holds truth up to the light, examining it for all to see. In Rose’s own words, “Sometimes activism isn’t calling out. Sometimes activism is showing fierce love for those others hate.” There is an emphasis on truth and transparency. Others see what they want to see, and Rose goes beyond, tapping into her own senses.
I see the truth about you
There are lights all around you
They come from deep inside
Darlin’ I see the truth
So if they hate your skin
Let my love be your wings
I see you and I know you, babe
I love everything, oh
Because you’re a good man (so good)
You’re just my good man
I’ll stand right beside you
Stay and I’ll hold your hand (oh)
I said you’re my good man, baby
I say you’re a good, good, good man
And I’ll stand right beside you
Stay and I’ll hold your hand, yeah (oh)
The piece ends with an epic outro. Rose proclaims, “We’re gonna live/ We’re gonna breathe/ And show them that we bleed too.” Rose claims power unabashedly, writing her story with what others perceive as weaknesses to be her strengths.
“Skin” delves deeper than the surface, and demands we do the same.
— —
:: stream/purchase If You Knew, Would You Care? here ::
Stream: “Skin” – Bianca Rose ft. Jake Isaac
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
— — — —
Connect to Bianca Rose on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
? © 2021
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
:: Today’s Song(s) ::
follow our daily playlist on Spotify
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
:: Stream Bianca Rose ::
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
