Dopamine

About

Normani knows some things are worth the wait, and nothing more than a debut album. The Fifth Harmony alum’s 2019 song “Motivation” catapulted the triple threat into a solo career with an irresistible cascade hook and choreography-rich music video to rival Britney Spears’ and Janet Jackson’s best. Normani has spent the years since the hit single honing down a full-length introduction to follow, and encountering nearly as many roadblocks as routes to succe. After her mother and father were both diagnosed with cancer, Normani tells Apple Music, “There were days that, honestly, I didn't feel like getting out of bed. It's hard to be creative and hard to be motivated and continue to be inspired, because this is life or death.” But seeing her mom still find the strength mid-chemotherapy to check in on her daughter's studio progre, Normani realized pursuing her passion helped her parents persevere through their own recovery. “I feel like I've been in preparation and in hiding for so long,” she share. “It's not easy, too, seeing everybody have their opportunity and moment and me constantly feeling like I can't catch a break. So that's why I don't take this moment for granted. I'm grateful that it's finally come.” “This moment” arrives with <i>DOPAMINE</i>, a studied, seductive pop record that coats reflections on sex, love, and confidence with a glistening trap sheen. While smoother ballads like “All Yours” and “Insomnia” stay in direct conversation with vanguard hip-hop, Normani turns up the cowbell on standout single “Candy Paint” to hit the sweet spot of early Destiny’s Child, Brandy, and Cassie hit. Polished but never impersonal, <i>DOPAMINE</i> is imbued with Normani’s individual strength, apparent in every beat pocket and gem of Southern vernacular. The formative years she spent in Houston shine through on the horn-laden opener “Big Boy” and “Still,” which samples Mike Jones’ regional classic “Still Tippin’.” Recent history also gets its due throughout the album—Normani admits to Apple Music a new boyfriend with a no-joke fitness routine “inspired a few of the record.” .

via Apple Music

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