Five years ago, Alina Baraz appeared out of thin air with the groundbreaking and critically-acclaimed EP, Urban Flora. A joint project with electronic producer Galimatias, Urban Flora was an alternative-electro journey with R&B nuances that added a soulful balance to the downtempo project.
Stepping into her own spotlight with her first full-length solo EP, The Color of You officially introduced us to the supernova. Bringing R&B a bit further to the forefront, the marvelous collection provided a clearer understanding of her refreshingly lush sound.
Garnering millions of listeners and numerous fans over the years, she’s finally able to comfortably come into her own with her debut album, It Was Divine.
Baraz’s delicate approach in singing about love and relationships equally mirror her satiny vocals. The admirable debut is a result of an awakening.
Focusing on love, self and interpersonal, Baraz shows her scars from a painful breakup, without wallowing in self-pity. Touching on the healing journey of self-awareness and letting go, she finds that everything she’s wanted and deserved is within.
Below are five songs that feature divine moments from Baraz’s debut album, It Was Divine.
“Frank”
Produced by: Jonathan Elkæ r and Spencer Stewart; Writers: Alina Baraz, Jonathan Elkær, Mary Weitz and Spencer Stewart
Baraz’s sultry voice caresses the production, sprinkled with airy harmonies and ad-libs along the way. The mix of distorted voices is a slight nod to her popular debut project, Urban Flora, which some day-one fans may appreciate. As a pleasant surprise, it’s the only song on the album that includes the word ‘divine’ in the lyrics.
“Off the Grid” featuring Khalid
Produced by: Dante Jones and Spencer Stewart; Writers: Alina Baraz, Dante Jones, Hayley Gene Penner, Khalid Robinson and Spencer Stewart
Khalid and Baraz can’t seem to stay away from each other. Initially working together on her last EP The Color of You, it was only fitting the pair reunite on her debut album. The marriage of Baraz’s honey-coated soprano and Khalid’s versatile baritone brings fulfilling energy to the duet. Their irresistible chemistry leaps off this joint track, giving each other the opportunity to shine before their voices blend for the latter half of the song. A duet project from the two, while not highly unlikely, would be a great treat.
“To Me”
Produced by: Spencer Stewart and Tyler Acord; Writers: Alina Baraz, Mary Weitz, Spencer Stewart and Tyler Acord
At first listen, “To Me” is an extremely entrancing and calming song. Throughout the song, Baraz comes to the realization that her relationship isn’t conducive to her growth. Baraz rarely, if ever, curses in her music, so the conviction of her self worth can’t be missed. The vocal echoes and consistent acoustic guitar provide additional depth and texture to the dreamy production.
“Memo Blue”
Produced by: Spencer Stewart and Robin Hannibal; Writers: Alina Baraz, Hayley Gene Penner, Robin Hannibal, and Spencer Stewart
“Memo Blue” is one of the shortest tracks on It Was Divine but also the barest, yet the most transformative song on the set. Composed of mainly instrumental elements, it takes different forms in under two minutes and six seconds. The track and the lyrics tell a hopeful story of meeting someone where they are with the plan to move forward together. Because each part of the semi-interlude is as euphoniously attractive, it’s liable to be a favorite.
“Who Got Me”
Produced by: Spencer Stewart and Robin Hannibal; Writers: Alina Baraz, Joel Van Dijk, Mary Weitz and Robin Hannibal
At the end of the day, all you have is yourself. Baraz is grasping the fact that she has to put herself first on “Who Got Me.” Making note of some necessary self-reflection, the droopy guitar strums match well with the song’s enlightening nature. With the beat change at the two-minute mark, she flips it on the dissonant portion, with much faith that she’ll find someone that will hold her down.
Stream It Was Divine by Alina Baraz below.