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?’
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Stream: “Skin” – Bianca Rose ft. Jake Isaac
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.
Love exists as an oxymoron. We know that it 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 love and 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
In an entrancing ballad, Rose stands her ground and illustrates skin in all its glory. Rose sings with conviction; looking at her lover with a grace that is rarely seen or given. 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 musical dialogue between the artists is a firm and compassionate declaration of solidarity.
The track feels like a hymn played in a dimly lit room, warm and intimate. With repetitive lyrics and an amber atmosphere, “Skin” shows the truth. With a tone reminiscent of Tracy Chapman and Sade, Rose’s smooth and rich timbre is unavoidable. The track 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. Before they meet, there is a moment of startling silence. There is a fierce and quiet love that is difficult to describe.
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 unapologetically. 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. The song fades into the atmosphere, but you are left with a sense of ultimate remembrance and undying courage.
“Skin” delves deeper than the surface, and demands we do the same.
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Stream: “Skin” – Bianca Rose ft. Jake Isaac
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