Raw talent is hard to come by. Even rarer is raw talent matched emotional vulnerability, sultry vocals and unique personal style. Luckily, 29 year-old Rozzi Crane from San Francisco provides all of the above in her upcoming EP “Hymn for Tomorrow”. This soul-inspired, emotional project is reflective of Rozzi’s talent as both a vocalist and a creative.
“Hymn for Tomorrow” features seven songs detailing the betrayal and pain of a first heartbreak. Rozzi embraces the vast range of emotions that come with a lost love, and expresses an honesty that draws her listeners closer to her work.
“How’d You Learn to Lie Like That” recalls the confusion and humiliation of being “ghosted”. Many can relate to the experience of hearing lofty promises and tender words from a prospective lover, only to quickly never hear from them again. It is an excellent opener to the EP as it establishes that Rozzi will not shy away from expressing her emotions, and directing her pain towards her ex-love.
“I Can’t Go to the Party” represents a strength and dedication to healing from her heartbreak, as Rozzi narrates choosing not to attend a party where her ex will be. Velvety vocals enhance the song’s intimately self-aware lyrics.
Every time we see each other
Weeks till I recover
And I’ll waste another summer
Tryna let go
At least now I know
Rozzi’s decision not to see her ex is clearly extremely difficult, but she chooses to prioritize her own healing and wellbeing. You can watch the music video for “I Can’t Go to the Party” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGQFyXR9–U&ab_channel=Rozzi
Fourth track “June” establishes a harrowing tension between lingering positive feelings and cold bitterness of a lost love.
Don’t know how it happened but I guess the summers over
Yeah it’s eighty in LA but you feel a little colder
Try to be a real cool girl
And laugh it off like nothing hurts
But I already miss you when my head is on your shoulder
“June” is an excellent example of Rozzi’s clever lyricism, and she is able to poignantly express the feeling of feeling disconnected from a romantic partner, even if still together with them.
Rozzi allows herself to fully express her rage in “Mad Man”. She calls out the notion that women should be docile and complacent in their hurt with the lyrics:
Don’t ask me to hold you
Or be the way you think I should be
You don’t like when I’m honest
Just wanna hear me say I’m sorry
This track illuminates Rozzi’s ability to make her music both personal and political. While the EP is emotive and sensitive, it does not express weakness or back down from criticising patriarchal norms.
“If I’m Gonna Love You” presents Rozzi as resigned to a particular fate with her subject, and is laced with anxious cynicism. The song’s cool and dark timbre brings a sense of hopelessness to the listener, as Rozzi seems to believe that all her lovers will bring heartbreak and disappointment.
“Hymn for Tomorrow”, the EP’s sixth track, brings a sharp tonal shift into hopefulness and promise. While Rozzi acknowledges her sensitivity and connection with her past, she embraces the thought of moving into the future and beginning anew. The rapid mood swing between the last two songs is likely representative of the mood swings and emotional waves of breakups.
The final song “idk” marks Rozzi’s acceptance and embracement of the unknown. The repeated line “that real love must be hard” appears to be a culmination of the lessons learned from Rozzi’s breakup. The EP guides listeners through her emotional journey, and Rozzi’s refreshingly honest lyrics do not feign a perfectly happy ending. Rather, she has chosen to learn from her pain and step into the future with an open mind. Such maturity and insight brings a sense of satisfaction to the EP’s conclusion, as well reaffirming a strong bond between artist and listener through her relatable lyricism.
Rozzi Crane proves in “Hymn for Tomorrow” that she is a musical force to be reckoned with. She is far more than a talented singer; Rozzi is creative, insightful, vulnerable and assertive. Such traits can be found in many female R&B/Soul influences such as Aretha Franklin, Nancy Sinatra, Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys. Rozzi carries on the legacy of powerful women in soul and R&B, while adding a modern and personal creative twist. Raspy, lush vocals distinguish Rozzi from a sea of young musicians, and she has clearly established herself as a prominent figure in new music.
Whether freshly heartbroken, happily in love or somewhere in between, anyone can find wisdom and comfort in “Hymn for Tomorrow”. The gorgeous EP is available on all streaming platforms now.
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