It’s been nearly four years since Paloma Ford released a project. The Los Angeles-born singer has returned with her new EP titled X Tapes.
Although the music landscape has changed since Ford’s 2016 effort, Nearly Civilized, she was determined to create music that was authentic to her.
“Being an R&B artist in today’s climate you feel the pressure to switch up your sound to make it fit the market,” Ford says. “But X Tapes was all about staying true to myself. I try to keep it as raw as possible. You’re going to feel those familiar R&B influences that inspire me, as well as fresh sounds and tempos that are Paloma Ford.”
The seven-track offering includes Ford’s previously shared tracks “Rain” and “Chrome (In My Feelings) Live” and “Nights I Cry.” It also features a guest appearance from rap star Rick Ross on “All for Nothing,” which is also the latest single.
In our interview with Ford, she shares the meaning behind each song on X Tapes.
“Rain”
“Rain” is a sensual seduction—a moment in time. It’s the beginning of it all, the introduction to X Tapes. “Rain” is the story of someone that is already in your life. The attraction is there, the connection is solidified, but that somebody might not be the best for you. Though you have your skepticisms, you still decide to go all in.
“Nights I Cry”
“Nights I Cry” is a reflection of the present past. It’s the moment when you realize you’re vulnerable to this person. You’re in love but that same love now has you in utter disappointment. It’s that period of realization that has you shocked in some sense. Wait a minute, we made all these plans together— all these promises to one another— and now it’s all gone in vain? Was it all a lie?
“Space”
This was the first record I wrote for X Tapes. It’s the layer of emotions when you acknowledge the beginning of the end. I’m accepting the inevitable that things are slowly coming to an end here.
“Heartbreak on the Westside”
“Heartbreak on the Westside” can be taken literally as it sounds. This is the moment when your chest hurts and you are fighting to feel alive. Whether it’s taking a drive, listening to music, or crying— whatever that looks like for you, to find that inner peace, is what this song describes for me.
“All for Nothing” featuring Rick Ross
“All For Nothing” is the reflection of everything that has happened thus far. It’s reviewing the present moment and envisioning what’s next. This is the moment of standing tall in resilience and seeing the growth out of it all.
“Only One”
“Only One” about going through a breakup and your partner comes to that moment when they realize they’ve fucked up. You still care but you have to put yourself first and move on. You lost out on someone that was riding for you and now it’s too late.
“Chrome (In My Feelings) Live”
“Chrome” in the tracklist sequence is the second song based on the material. It’s only the last on the project song because of the live recording. “Rain” plays right into “Chrome.” Where “Rain” is the sweet way of saying, boy don’t mess with me, “Chrome” follows up and shows you why you should not mess with me. “Didn’t I tell you, when it was raining not to play with me”? “Now let me go get something from the trunk, I’ll be right back.” [laughs]. #XTapesOnRepeat
Stream Paloma Ford’s sonically-pleasing EP X Tapes below.
