Hilary Roberts – Free (2022)
With the aim of inspiring and empowering others, US-based Hilary Roberts is renowned for her intimate storytelling. Fusing elements of contemporary pop with euphoric dance beats, there is a joyfulness about the singer-songwriter. This is my introduction to Roberts, but she has already seen much success with her music project topping the Billboard Dance Chart in 2019 and 2020, signing to her own record label, and featuring on notable blogs like Essentially Pop, Original Rock and Voice Magazine (to name a few). The latest addition to her critically acclaimed discography is ‘Free’.
Following her 2021 single, ‘Born To Fly’, Roberts adopts an upbeat sound in ‘Free’. Collaborating with legendary producers Bimbo Jones, the track’s bounciness is melded with a pop edginess making it quite intriguing. The catchy choruses are emboldened by the high-powered beats, so you really can dance to this one from the first second.
Considering the joviality of the tune, one would consider the bubblegum pink happiness to be borne of something fun; however, this is not the case. Roberts believes that “life is about giving to others, to help each other grow, learn, feel and live life to the fullest”, and that is why she digs into people’s vulnerability in her songs. Fun and bright, but also incredibly poignant, ‘Free’ is a powerful commentary on internet culture.
Viewing superficial relationships based on the artificial love we see online; Roberts calls people to “break free for the beauty of self-love”. People often feel adored by the multiple likes on social media posts, but is this true love? ‘Free’ presses us to look beyond the online world and into ourselves.
In addition to the single, Roberts released an official music video for ‘Free’. You can view it below or on her YouTube channel.
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For more from Hilary Roberts check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
