Really impressive songwriting and vocals light up a nostalgic style with modern, original lyrics and creative identity. Poetry Amaru shines brightly, with the deeply evocative arrangement and performance of Tattoo Story.
Essentially a romantic RnB classic with a refreshing take on production and melodic development, Tattoo Story is intimate and loving – a contemporary relationship song that focuses on the delicate nuance of an individual connection.
The style is somewhere between the likes of nineties RnB troubadours – Craig David, Terence Trent D’arby – and the more recent sounds of The Weeknd, but Poetry Amaru employs his own vocal charm for sure, and this single is an example of peak expression and appeal from the genre-fusing artist.
Noting a growing repertoire of tracks blending afrobeat, hip hop, RnB and world music, even with lyrics varying from language to language – Poetry Amaru is unconfined by expectation or style. His single Pas l’time is a rap track with a grittier overtone, and the wonderful Love Language is a mellow sway of an engaging RnB ballad. For the latter, the voice is more drawn out, expressive and careful, and the music stops and starts accordingly, for that timeless RnB sway and romantic energy.
Then there’s the likes of Cold World Story, bringing awareness to a whole new side of the Poetry Amaru storytelling, versatility, and depth. This world-music hip hop single is captivating, clever and contemplative – a provocative but melodic and enchanting display of artistic intention that’s beautifully unique.
Poetry Amaru’s lyrics are second to none, a focused delivery holding closely to the details and realism of this journey. We get a tribal wind instrument on the front line, distinct and calming, then a female RnB vocal softly breaking up the poetic weight and poignancy of the verses.
It’s a huge track, but also modest, non-confronting by design – an artist of intelligence at work, framing this in a charming, hypnotic fashion, and hitting you with the emotional power and presence when you least expect it.
A definite highlight, but from a catalogue of original music that speaks volumes on behalf of talent, purpose, and presence for an indie artist of worth.
Find Poetry Amaru on Instagram, X, TikTok.
