Just when I thought Kali Uchis couldn’t sound more angelic, the Colombian American singer transported me into heaven after dropping her third studio album “Red Moon In Venus,” on Friday.
I had high expectations for Uchis’ new release, and she delivered.
This album is the essence of putting on satin pajamas after a warm bubble bath.
Uchis taps into her divine femininity to explore all stages of love in “Red Moon In Venus,” a fitting title because the planet is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
Uchis’s first single, and second track on her newest album, “I Wish you Roses,” is a bedroom pop and psychedelic ballad about wishing the best for a lover after letting them go.
She comes across as the mature ex that listeners wish they could be in the chorus, “With pretty flowers can come the bee sting (Ooh, never thought I would be without you)/ But I wish you well, I wish you well/ I wish you roses while you can still smell them (Ooh).”
Uchis refers to the end of a blossoming relationship with her lover as a “bee sting,” but nevertheless, she hopes to be peaceful as the memories of their love fades from memory.
This is how I would expect someone as spiritual as Uchis to process a breakup.
The lyrics “While I'm here, I'm someone to honor/ When I'm gone, I'm someone to mourn,” reinforces the expectations she has for her next lover and how they’ll undoubtedly yearn for her when she leaves.
“Moonlight” is a more upbeat song with a flare drum and glittering melodies, but Uchis’ soulful sound is still present throughout the track.
Although this is an English album, Uchis masterfully weaves in Spanish lyrics in the chorus, “I just wanna get high with my lover/ Veo una muñeca cuando miro en el espejo/ Kiss, kiss.”
The lyrics translate to “I see a doll when I look in the mirror.”
She sings in a breathy voice about the cozy feeling of spending quality time with a lover, and about how being in love can lead to having more confidence.
She definitely has the power to carry this album herself, but I’m not mad at her collaborations. Her voice beautifully blends with Summer Walker in “Deserve Me.”
Walker is another female R&B artist, and I would vouch for her if listeners want a sultry vibe for a late-night drive.
In the chorus, Uchis sings “I like it better when you’re gone/ I feel a little less alone/ You know I never needed you/ Didn’t deserve, you don’t deserve me,” and passes it to Walker who sings “I don’t deserve the shit you put me through/ Like you don’t know that you’re lucky.”
This is the perfect song to blast if you’re thinking of calling your pathetic ex.
However, Uchis and Walker would be ashamed if you do that after four minutes and 28 seconds of multiple reasons why they don't deserve you.
Overall, Uchis exudes her sensual nature in every track and left me wanting more, even after listening to the album on repeat.
The album calmed my anxiety around dating and helped me realize that when one love ends, another one can begin.
Coming out of a long-term relationship that ended mutually, this album resonates with me because I have no reason to be bitter about it either.
“Red Moon In Venus” completely entranced me and makes me want to be as self-assured as Uchis, with or without a lover.
