French-Djiboutian singer Shay Lia has returned with her new album, Facets, via AWAL Recordings.
The 10-track offering includes the previously shared tunes “Solo,” Takutá,” “Upside Down” and “On the Low.” The latter song was produced by her longtime collaborator Kaytranada.
Lia says her sophomore album “speaks to all of the lives I’ve lived in different cities, countries, times and spaces.”
The multifaceted singer adds, “It’s impossible for me to sit comfortably in one specific genre because while my vision is clear, my influences and experiences are layered… it’s an intentional demonstration of all sides of me and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it, feel it and see parts of themselves in it.”
Lia opens Facets with “High,” a confidence-boosting bop built around an Amapiano-tinged production helmed by GuiltyBeatz. “Baby, I know I’m the wish on your list / See, but I’m gon’ put me first on my list / And I know where I go, I’m a vibe / Catch me if you can,” Lia gleams.
“E.G.O. (Energy Gets Over)” is another highlight of the album. With vocal support from R&B duo Majid Jordan and guest verse from rapper Buddy, Lia dismisses a narcissistic lover.
Speaking on the track, she shares, “I was in a stage of healing and it was cathartic to have a room full of great men come up with lyrics that helped me bite back at someone’s god complex.”
Lia will support her second album on her first-ever headlining tour. The U.K./Europe leg kicks off Nov. 22 at Le Hasard Ludique in Paris, France. From there, she will play in Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and London.
On Feb. 23, 2024, Lia will launch the North American leg in Montreal, Quebec.
She will make additional stops in Toronto, New York and San Fransisco, before wrapping up in Los Angeles on March 2, 2024. Tickets are available for purchase on Lia’s official website.
Circling back to Facets, the album is the follow-up to her 2020 EP, Solaris. In 2019, she released her debut project, Dangerous.
Stream Shay Lia’s new album Facets below.
