Mina – Broken Boy (sad girl version) (2024)
Dealing with the Covid-19 lockdowns had various effects on people: some were inspired, some were confused, many realised that spending the day in your PJs is fantastic, and some found sides to their personality they never knew existed – enter Mina. While UK-based Mina was already earning a reputation for powerful performances, it was lockdown that had her explore original songs finding a new brand of RnB, soul and jazz. Skip ahead a few years and Mina is reaching audiences far beyond her UK border with a sound that is entirely Mina and no one else. The latest addition to her discography is the single, ‘Broken Boy (sad girl version)’.
Following the well-received dancefloor anthem, ‘Broken Boy (Brandon Walker Remix)’, Mina tones things down with this version of the original ‘Broken Boy’. Produced by Brandon Walker, the sad girl version adopts a softer, smoother, more heartfelt acoustic vibe. Leaning toward a stark, barebones simplicity, the track embraces the beauty of a basic acoustic tune; however, despite the laidback sparseness of the tune, there is a kaleidoscopic rush of sound breathing through the chilled-out groove. For me, the combination of acoustic guitar, percussion and drums is moving; but Mina’s vocals are what rounds the track with elegant finesse.
Compared to Norah Jones, Mina’s voice has the obscure allure of an eclectic jazz singer; then again, the comparison may be dashed to the side as Mina embraces you with her vocal blend of soulful, heartwarming RnB. Definitely breathing life into old-school 90s RnB, a nostalgic draw back to the days of Toni Braxton appears. Then again, a contemporary edginess emerges as Mina captures modern-day soulful jazz in ‘Broken Boy (sad girl version)’.
In as much as there is simplicity, there is an intricate complexity to ‘Broken Boy (sad girl version)’ – both melodically and lyrically. Delving into the more intimate areas of life, Mina touches on self-discovery in her music. She explains:
“This version really lets the story breathe. It’s about understanding when it’s time to step away and let someone heal on their own. Sometimes love is about letting go.”
Find out more about Mina on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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