Sabrina Monique’s “It Was Always You” ranks as one of the best kiss-off songs in recent memory. It’s a venerable tradition in pop music, usually centered around letting a one-time loved one know they’ve been dismissed, and Monique’s understanding of what makes songs such as this work is total. This first single from her forthcoming release, It’s Not Me, It’s You, lays down an early tone for what promises to be one of the most individualistic alternative pop/singer-songwriter efforts we’ve heard. The New York City-based vocalist and songwriter bristles with equal parts intelligence, attitude, and skill. “It Was Always You” reveals her as a bold singer ready to set her course on her terms; no one else will dictate to her.
URL: https://www.sabrinamonique.com/
Nor should they try. She comes across from the first line like she’s a virtual force of nature intent on following her inner voice wherever it leads her. The near-shuffle-like accompaniment opening the track provides a perfect percussive backing for the equally punchy vocal melody weaving its way through the verses. The arrangement’s mid-tempo pace strikes a compelling contrast with the up-tempo vocal melody she sustains throughout these aforementioned verses.
She shows a delightful ability to switch vocal gears. She slows her delivery into a sultry and soulful upper register for the song’s pre-chorus and chorus without losing any of her preceding stride. Confidence crackles off each line. Monique makes no apologies for who she is, where she has been, and where she’s going. Talent will win out, and she has it in abundance.
The lyrics are a cut above the typical pop music fare as well. There are a handful of audacious rhymes and turns of phrases scattered throughout the song that her aforementioned vocal excellence makes great use of. There are no wasted words during the course of this song. It mimics an arrangement that likewise eschews even a hint of the extraneous.
The accompanying music video for the song is a five-star companion piece. It stands on its own as a compelling visual composition, as well, thanks to moody lighting, a commanding performance from Monique, and eye-catching costuming. It’s enhanced by a bevy of compelling secondary performers who complement Monique’s performance quite nicely. The color composition is another eye-catching facet of the video’s production.
Sabrina Monique’s “It Was Always You” sets the bar high for future releases. However, there’s no indication that she won’t be able to match the lofty expectations engendered by this performance. She’s a force to be reckoned with that you can’t dismiss simply because she doesn’t look like other pop chanteuses; her talent extends far beyond the superficial.
Let’s buckle up and take the ride because she’s launched on a journey that has the potential to be one of pop music’s most exciting trips yet.
Garth Thomas