After what feels like the longest teasing TikTok campaign ever, Spanish pop phenomenon Rosalía finally shared her new and beyond highly anticipated single, “LLYLM” (Lie Like You Love Me). The new single follows the release of the expanded edition of her third LP Motomami, which features collabs with Cardi B, Tokischa, and The Weeknd.
For OG term fans, “LLYLM” feels like a return to form. The 30-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer who got her start in Spanish reality TV at the age of just 15 as part of a talent-scouting show, has millions of different facets that go beyond music, however, her creative mind has always amazed us because of her ability to seamlessly combine traditional flamenco with pop, hip-hop, R&B, and trap. Her first project, Los Angeles, released in 2017, saw her very much focus on traditional flamenco which she more than dominates. Her voice is perfect for belting out during the most intense parts of the song and also to hold back and almost whisper in your ear during the more intimate bits. From there, she took a step into the more alternative and experimental production side in her next record, 2018’s El Mal Querer, where her knowledge of traditional Spanish music takes a twist with incredible sounds and a more hip-hop feel al around. Most recently, Motomami, released last year, goes 90 percent alt with maybe 10 percent of sprinkled flamenco on top. However, it’s her most successful project to date because she has managed to capture old and new fans with her ever evolving sound.
“LLYLM” however brings the most predominant aspects of her foundations topped with a predominantly pop embrace. The first thing you hear when you play the single is Rosaliá’s voice over the best percussion instrument, traditional flamenco clapping. There’s hints of what could be a very strong bass line, however, Rosalía very wisely puts it in the back, almost making it in-perceptible. The minimalism that has always characterised her is certainly present in the song. Additionally, the song is one of the few English singles the singer has ever released, but with a bridge in Spanish, she ensures fans, she’s not forgotten what has allured them in the first place.
The list of co-writers in the song is also very notable. Daniel Aged (FKA Twigs), David Rodriguez (Carlos Santana), Dylan Wiggins (Paloma Faith, Alessia Cara), Noah Goldstein (Rihanna, Kanye West), and hitmaker Shellback (Taylor Swift, The Weeknd). with a lineup like this, it is no surprise this song is like crack. It also leaves us thinking, what other music might Rosalía have under her sleeve, who else she’s been working with, and most importantly, when are we going to see her share more new material and tour again.
Photo: press