Here’s the thing: I’m always a sucker for music with dedications to the artist’s dearly loved someone: it could be a family member, it could be an artist that they looked up to, or it could be a dedication for themselves; it doesn’t really matter if it’s for whom, but yes. I’d always dig that kind of stuff. And that is what IAMTHELIVING has got in his debut album, “Nebra Sky.” Released on November 15, 2024, this 13-track collection is a showcase of skill and potential for this rising artist born in London and is now based in Vancouver. With his unique sound that perfectly blends elements of alternative R&B, funk, and soul, this album will capture your attention fully, and I am sure enough, that it will keep going from start until finish! Experience the full potential, passion, original sound, and power of emotion brought by IAMTHELIVING in this adventure brought by his debut album, “Nebra Sky.”
Opening this collection is the track “Rockin London City,” a groovy and fun song that welcomes you with its great hook! I can’t help but be reminded of the style of Michael Jackson when it comes to the vocal performance of this artist, which is GREAT. I’d like to emphasize that it is a type of song that stays inside your head after you listen. The hook is just way too catchy, and the vocals and production are way too good—it is an earworm, a definite bop, and a powerful introduction to the whole album, and the music of this artist!
“Make It Home Alive” is the track that follows. Upon its opening notes and beats, I am not sure why I found these sounds so familiar in my head; it kind of reminded me of an infamous beat that is famous on the web. Anyway, this track is where the fun continues; the subtle instrumentation in this piece highlights the great vocals on this track. I’d like to point out how all the notes, especially all the highs and lows, fall into all the right places, which is very satisfying as a listener. The addition of the great vocals of Jake Isaac adds to the drama and depth of the track tells a story about their life and how it’s full of challenges and circumstances that test them, but then again, this song also carries a certain hope that at the end of the day, they’ll make it through.
Another fun and funky track comes in with “The Weekend ft. Braxton Cook”, a chill track that’s the best soundtrack for an afternoon jam. If I haven’t said it earlier, let me just say it now: the vocal prowess of this artist is insane, not that it reminds me of MJ but also of another famous artist, Bruno Mars. The vocals are just perfect and done with such finesse—it is chill, playful, and sexy too! On the other hand, in “Love So Divine,” the artist came in with a deeply personal song packed with beautifully written lines about his life. Kitt & Knowmadic’s vocals are a great addition to this track. It’s chill but inspirational—something that I’d like to play on my downest days.
Another bop track in this collection is “Let’s Talk About It,” a track that I like because of the way the artist sees through the hardships of their loved ones. It is a song that is packed with acoustic guitar, great vocals, and beats and wants to relay a message that he is open to talking about it and that he’ll go through everything just to make it okay for her. This is followed by another acoustic track and is also a favorite, “Can’t Be Replaced,” which has a crazy buildup and structure that started smooth, then the beats and synths came in to add a bit of drama, and then the whole thing expands to this beautiful sound. You’ll feel how the electricity tingles in the air as you listen to this song—it’s like the artist is still in a trance and is still under the spell of that person.
With “I’ll get it done,” this whole piece is giving Bruno Mars energy with its production and vocal quality. The way all the lines were thrown in this song is just great, and the way all elements played out from the acoustic side to the beats and synths, will make you groove. It’s such a bop! Finally, the whole collection closes with a heartfelt track, “Superhero,” a song dedicated to his mom! IAMTHELIVING presents a deeply personal piece that narrates the story of how his life has been since childhood and how he honors his mom through this song for teaching him everything about life. This is the absolute best way to end the whole collection.
Ultimately, Nebra Sky by IAMTHELIVING is loaded with a lot of potential. From the vocals to the lyrics to the quality of production, it is all top-notch! We can expect that this artist and this album can reach heights! For now, listen! “Waterslide,” “Open Space,” “Light Me Up,” “Calloused Heart,” and “Trust the Journey” are also featured on this release, so be sure to give it a listen. “Nebra Sky” demands your full attention, and it deserves it. Connect with IAMTHELIVING on his social media accounts, and don’t miss out! Stream Nebra Sky by IAMTHELIVING now!
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About the Author
Born and raised in one of the 7000-ish islands in the Philippines, a self-proclaimed professional fangirl, with a degree in Biology. She probably annoy the people around her so much for not speaking and speaking too much. A frustrated writer, yes!
