Valentina, the former voice behind Hot Chip and Kano, offers a refreshing, albeit haunting, perspective with her latest single, Love Myself. Following the acclaim of her 2021 EP Nature, Valentina’s return is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece that delves deep into the human psyche.
The track is a masterclass in minimalism, with sombre electronic organ tones laying the foundation for Valentina’s ethereal vocals. The experimental soundscapes, both eerie and melancholic, transport listeners to a realm where raw emotion reigns supreme. It’s a place where the boundaries between the spiritual and the corporeal blur, and Valentina’s voice serves as the guiding light.
The lyrical content of Love Myself is intense. In her own words, Valentina shares the profound loneliness that inspired the song: “I woke up one morning with such an intense feeling of loneliness that I wrote this song immediately.” The lines, “I don’t wanna love myself, I wanna be loved by someone else,” resonate with a visceral honesty that’s hard to come by in today’s music landscape.
While the current zeitgeist celebrates female independence and self-love, Valentina dares to voice the often unspoken yearning for external validation. It’s a raw confession, a plea for love and understanding, that many, especially young women, can relate to. Valentina’s vulnerability is her strength, making her a beacon for those navigating the tumultuous waters of love, self-worth, and identity.
The chorus, with its repetitive plea, underscores the song’s central theme. Lines like, “See, I don’t understand how you can be free,” hint at a deeper struggle, perhaps a relationship where one person’s freedom comes at the other’s expense. The juxtaposition of wanting to “fail” while the other doesn’t “fake it” further amplifies the song’s emotional intensity.
In Love Myself, Valentina has crafted a poignant narrative that challenges societal norms while offering solace to those who feel the same.
For those seeking a musical journey that’s both introspective and transformative, Love Myself is a must-listen. Dive in and let Valentina’s voice guide you through the complexities of the human heart.