Karianne Jean – Hollywood (2021)
When many people think of Hollywood, they are filled with images of success, glitz and glamour. Well, Karianne Jean is lifting the veil and pulling back the curtain to reveal the truth with her appropriately titled single ‘Hollywood’. Having grown up in SoCal and lived in Hollywood, she offers an insight into the land of dreams and its dark underbelly. With an upbeat tempo, she hits you with dark lyrics and the reality of Hollywood.
Honest lyrics and catchy melodies are something that Jean is becoming known for. Coming from a family of musicians, she has always been drawn to music and creating songs that tell a story with a message. Drawing on a wide range of influences including Celine Dion, Etta James and Daughtry, she removes the rose-tinted filter that settles over many aspects of life.
‘Hollywood’ brings a sense of glitz and glamour to mind with its opening. This is tempered by a dark edge resting in the deep beats. The melody offers a sonic representation of the lightness people attribute to Hollywood through the higher dancing tones. Resting below it is a darkness that artfully slips through the dance vibes providing the underbelly of Hollywood. This layered melodic approach is stunningly executed as it gives you the emotions of the track while still getting you lost in the upbeat vibes.
Jean’s voice rests like a satin sheet over the melody. Her vocals have a velveteen power to them as she lays out the draw of Hollywood. Through her performance, you are filled with a range of emotions. At first, you get a blast of yearning for the hills of Hollywood only to turn into questioning on the chorus. The lyrics are an honest insight into life and the emotions of being in Hollywood. The flow of the music is wonderful as Jean’s vocals offer a gentle breeze against the foundation created by the melody.
Karianne Jean draws back the curtain and provides an honest look into the real world of ‘Hollywood’. The single is an interesting combination of light dancing tones and darker beats that sonically represent the two sides of the city of dreams. Her vocals are a breezy slide against the melody as she gets you lost in the lyrics.
Find out more about Karianne Jean on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
