Today, L.A.-based Romanian pop star Sorana released her debut single for Atlantic Records! Working with David Guetta and interpolating the melody from Kanye West’s “Heartless” (which Ye approved), Sorana channels the feelings of “The Other Woman” while pondering over “what it would feel like to lose the love of her life.” Though David Guetta’s presence in the music video is a little strange – his face is on portraits all over the Shining-inspired hotel setting – Sorana’s lyrics and vocals are fantastic, and Guetta’s production is incredible.
Lyrically, it’s an interesting take on fear of heartbreak and a cool use of The Shining. While most songs in this vein would focus on how heartbreak makes the speaker feel, Sorana has flipped that and decided she would take her anxieties and project them onto the woman who came before her. The title and hook of “redruM” is an obvious reference to Stephen King’s The Shining, but the way Sorana uses it lends a childlike sense of wonder to this heartbreak anthem. It feels like Sorana is using her shining ability to work with Danny Torrance on the hook of this song. Amidst that childlike sense of wonder, however, is a very wise take on love. Sorana has said “The song is an ironic take on how people dramatically react to heartbreak. Love comes and goes so we might as well enjoy it while it lasts.”
Sonically, it’s a bit of standard David Guetta at this point, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s got some great production, cool bass lines, and atmospheric synths to set the scene. Sorana’s vocals are at the front, but not in a way that makes the rest of the mix inaudible. Also, on the subject of Sorana’s vocals: this woman can sing. When she’s belting out “redruM,” the pain in her voice is apparent. In the context of the song, she obviously feels guilty about taking someone’s lover, but the confusion within the lyrics makes that pain and fear even more palpable.
Overall, this is a phenomenal label debut, and I’m excited to hear more from Sorana! She’s got a powerful voice, and she chooses excellent producers while getting co-signs from artists like Ye. The future is bright for Sorana, and you should absolutely check out “redruM” below! Let us know what you think as well.
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