meadowhip – Am I Broken (2022)
With her single ‘Getting Messy’, meadowhip had us falling into a spiral of internet-fuelled obsession. Now, she is turning our view inward through the single ‘Am I Broken’ which considers being the problematic one in a relationship. While tackling a deep subject, she uses a light-hearted vibe packed with lyrical quips to acknowledge the character flaws we all have and how they impact a relationship.
This lighter touch is given a more grounded and sombre edge through the brooding tones of the bassline and RnB hooks threaded into the soundscape. A brooding self-analysis, the single shines with meadowhip’s characteristic sarcasm and a touch of self-deprecation. Through all of this, she takes us on a journey of broken relationships, inner reflection and acknowledgement of responsibility.
‘Am I Broken’ uses a dark shimmer to catch your attention while the hypnotic bassline sneaks up on you. There is a darkness to the single that flows wonderfully into a reflective feeling. The music of the opening lightens for the impact of the vocals to really hit before the trip-hop-influenced beats get your feet tapping to their rhythm. The music rises in the chorus for a swirl of emotions that is undeniably rich. Following the chorus, there is an almost seductive higher tone that shimmers through the upper reaches of the melody, while that bassline continues to keep you hooked. There is a rich RnB and neo-soul flow to the melody that let the retro horns slowly make their way through. It is a really amazing interplay and merger of tones from the shimmering sparkles to the hypnotic bass and the 1940’s inspired trumpet.
Riding over all of this is meadowhip’s vocal performance which is rich, seductive and utterly addictive. Her performance slowly brings a feeling of reflection, tempered with a hint of questioning why the other person couldn’t cope with her quirks. As the chorus hits, there is a feeling of taking responsibility for the mess she has created in the relationship, but this is met by the understanding that she never actually had her life together. The sarcastic touches of her music have been woven into the richness of the track to shine at the perfect moments. It is a really stunning single that takes ownership of the problems you cause, while hitting some self-deprecating tones, but in the best possible way.
Through the rich and soulful flows of ‘Am I Broken’, meadowhip dives into self-reflection, ownership of your flaws and the realisation that you are the problem in a relationship. Packed with a seductively rich slide, the melody draws elements of different styles together for a decadent sound. Her vocals pick up the richness of the music and give it is a little sarcastic and self-deprecating twist that is wonderful to listen to.
Find out more about meadowhip on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
