Nostalgic Romance With Vana Blue’s ‘Always Seeing You’

Retro synth tones, aching lyrics and smooth vocals. ‘Always Seeing You’ is a stylish tale of failed romance, seasoned with just the right amount of nostalgic melancholy.

Always Seeing You

Setting the tone right out of the gate, ‘Always Seeing You’ opens with gentle, modulated pads floating to the surface. Overlaid with honey-soaked R&B melody and harmony from Vana Blue’s vocal performance.

Moving to the pre-chorus, a plucky bassline marches away under the mix of effected vocal harmony. Perfectly setting the scene for the sparse and emotional soundscape of the chorus.

This is one example of several points in the wider dynamic range of the work. Without ever feeling like it’s reached a summit of intensity or drive, the track always manages to become quieter, sparcer, barren. Just as quickly it rebuilds, dragging itself back to the choruses, to the dance rhythms and the swaying diatonic runs.

Littered with Com Truise-esque melodic teases, and resonant filter sweeps, the chorus feels dramatic and weighted by its emptiness. With the addition of rolling drums, compressed enough for a little extra presence and push, the track blends into a contemporary ballad to loneliness. It oozes longing with a charming despair.

Crafting a soothing, late night feel ‘Always Seeing You’ could so perfectly lead a neon eighties montage and be the biggest take away from the scene. Well-written and produced, this track would sit comfortably amidst chill-wave and electro-soul playlists alike.

Overall rating: 8/10

Pairs well with: After Hours – The Weeknd

About Vana Blue

Setting out with Vana Blue as a new artistic project, London based pop artist MRJ is working with producer Peter Lyons to create this new output furthering his love for creativity. Eager to work on any project, from writing for other artists to developing his own work, MRJ has proven to be a successful talent, with over 200,000 streams on Spotify.