RNB Nerd reviews Maeta’s third EP, “When I Hear Your Name”

"When I Hear Your Name" is one of those rare projects that comes along and stops you dead in your tracks. Not only an uber intentional and raw exploration of love and its orbiting experiences, "When I Hear Your Name" also gives life to some impeccable and sumptuous contemporary R&B. The project in itself is an experience for the listener, as I find it nearly impossible to play the 13-song set without contemplating my own encounters with passion, sadness, and emotional ties that I have had. ALL THAT BEING SAID, this is the RNB Nerd review of “When I Hear Your Name” by Maeta.

"Sexual Love" (Ft. James Fauntleroy) – I mean what else is there to say, IT IS JAMES FAUNTLEROY. It is an R&B heads’ dream to see this guy’s name on ANY project, let alone one as anticipated as Maeta’s. Right from the beginning, these two waste no time! The harmonies converge not only in their timing and tone, but Maeta matches the signature register that we hear in all things James Fauntleroy. The ad-libs from both vocalists are superb and as a major fan of both artists, what a joy it is to hear something that sounds EXTREMELY FIRE on paper, translated into real life. Opening a project titled “When I Hear Your Name” with this song makes so much sense. The sensual love story that is depicted here in the lyrics and, the dare I say SWEEPING chorus, rushes you with emotions and gives you a vital clue into why Maeta has an entire body of work centered around what she experiences when she hears this person’s name. Their harmonies are divine and the record feels like so much care went into its execution. 10/10!

"Cool Cat" – To say I was ignorant about this one is an understatement. I NEVER knew about the Queen version until I did this review. Keeping the same groove as the original, Maeta makes this her very own with her beautiful tone and runs. Much like the original, the delivery is steady throughout and most shifts can be felt on the verses, right before the final run that distinguishes her version the most, right before we fade to close. Maeta is no stranger to a cover and most of them that can be found online feel on brand in terms of her style of singing and musical direction. It would be cool to know the story behind the decision to include this on the project, albeit a good one, seeing as it nicely ushers us from the previously more dramatic sound on “Sexual Love”, to the haunting and anthemic “Anybody”.

“Anybody” – Probably the song that I was drawn to the most on this record upon first listen, “Anybody” could easily be the MAJOR song to push Maeta out of this world. I have not shied away from PLEADING to RocNation to make this a single, my RNB Nerd IG profile has been shameless when it comes to insisting that we recognize the greatness that we have here. Producer Shea Taylor (what up big dog!) really came through on this one and gave Maeta and co-writer SZA the most gorgeous, glimmering, dark, moody, and nostalgic vibe to play with and DAMMIT they struck gold. The song feels like a contemporary throwback, tugging at the saxophone heartstrings that exist in the hearts of legions of R&B music fans. Maeta holds nothing back, adding in beautifully operatic sounding ad-libs alongside some of her strongest vocal showings to date. Anthemic vocals and vulnerable lyrics combine to make “Anybody” palatable for the masses and gives us another banger to celebrate.

“Control Freak (Ft. Ambré)” – You already know if Ambré is on a record, it is going to be a must listen. “Control Freak” sees Maeta dance the idea of relinquishment and succumbing to the love language of her partner who needs to be hands on. Much like the other features on this album, Maeta blends flawlessly with her counterpart and because their styles are so different, the song packs variety and illustrates what a GOOD collab consists of. You would never know the predicament that Maeta finds herself in here because of how she delivers the scenario so beautifully. I am featuring the live version here because it is personal and gives the song so much LIFE. The ad-libs are also hitting harder here, and it is always just better to see our faves live and in action. The arrangement is top tier as well!

“Questions” – Optically, any Maeta and Kaytranada collaboration is an unmistakable homerun. I would argue that some of Maeta’s best work contains signature Kaytranada drums and his overall sound design. Hearing “Questions” brings me back to the moment I first heard “Teen Scene”. Hearing the music felt refreshing, original, and inspiring. Not to mention that this too has another well-made visual to accompany it. The video ups the ante even more when it comes to bringing Kaytranada’s music to life. THIS LOOKS LIKE WHAT I AM HEARING! If that makes sense. I love the direct lyrics, Maeta has no need to try and inflate the situation, instead shooting straight from the hip with lyrics, “What if I'm ready to love you? What if I'm done with the games? What if I'm standing here for you? Would it all just be too late?”. I am glad that this got the visual treatment and was pushed out to new listeners, as I feel it is in all ways something like a cornerstone to who Maeta is as an artist today.

“Fuck Your Friend” – This one had the internet GAGGED when the project dropped. Maeta sings in all seriousness, detailing a hilarious revelation that the parasocial relationship with her ex-lover’s friend was actually on her mind THE WHOLE TIME (the WHOLE TIME? – {Mrs. Doubtfire reference}). Another Ambré collab this time on the production front, I can hear murmurs of her personal sound in both the songwriting and music. The overall sentiment feels anecdotal, seeing as Maeta’s true feelings are unavoidable and, in my opinion, begin to crest at this point in the project. At the center of everything is a deep, vibrating, and lingering hurt that is tied together with an even deeper feeling of love. Maeta will continue to work through these feelings in all the records to come and it makes for an interesting juxtaposition of perspectives throughout.

“Clarity (Ft. Lucky Daye)” – The world needs more Maeta and Lucky Daye. One of two records on the project that are <2-minutes long, I think the taste of Lucky Daye that we got on this one makes it the better of the two IMO. An illustrative record that serves as both a nice groove and short moment to reflect on where we are on the journey of "When I Hear Your Name". There have been all these experiences and through it all, Maeta seems to be facing a cynical realization that things have still not made their way to equilibrium. However, the show must go on. And go on it does to the ABSOLUTE BANGER that is "ASMR".

"ASMR" - Woohweeee, this SLAPPPPS entirely and indefinitely. Taking us all the way to the top, Maeta hits hard at some very sexual and direct lyrics that almost feel like an escape from the current state of being that she referenced in "Clarity". I think the feeling of wanting to almost numb yourself to some moments in life is relatable and what better way to do it than with an attractive partner who you are able to release some tension with. Something like this really does take the misery away, if you ask me. Even if the moment is fleeting and maybe just for a night, as Maeta puts it, it still feels amazing and thrilling. Amazing passion, sex, and connection are all detailed in the lyrics that lay across this FIRE beat that just doesn't stop. Another song that needs the single treatment, it is NEXT LEVEL.

"Kissing New People feat. Ty Dolla $ign" - Another anticipated collaboration from the project, I think the record does a solid job of continuing the timeline that we heard on the last two songs. Lyrically, the vibe is an unremorseful admission of just the sort of spicy activities that went down during a break had by our main antagonist. This one feels personal! Ty and Maeta trade some nice ad-libs throughout and the chorus does a good job at blanketing the malicious line with a catchy melody. This one grew on me after a few spins and it is one of the records that I now gravitate toward more these days, especially with that stellar switch up at the end.

"Something Happens When I Hear Your Name" - A beautiful ode to all the vivid sensations that Maeta experiences when she hears this name. The title track flutters right on through in the short, barely minute long cut. This SCREAMS "it needs to be longer!". I hit the back button so many times on this one, drawing out every bit of emotion that Maeta is singing with. Particularly at the 0:52 mark, that key change pierces my heart every time. UGH, so good.

"See You Around" - Maeta slowly wakes up from the dreamy vibe we heard on the previous track. One of my most anticipated records from the project, because DUH it was done with The Dream. One of the more truly melancholic moments, "See You Around" feels dripped in regret and the sort of heartbreak that can only come from wishing we had done better in a situation. R&B music like this has a painfully sincere way of expressing these unique and specific feelings in a way that can also get us to move. If I ignore the lyrics, I could mistake the danceable, slow groove for something that it is not.

"S(EX)" - The lead-off single, "S(EX)", epitomizes the project from a creative standpoint. The record is helmed by the young legends of our time and in my opinion, TITANS, when it comes to the genre of R&B music (OG Parker, G. Ry & MesioMusic, Kehlani, Ant Clemons, Marsha Ambrosius, Natalie Stewart, Andre Harris, Derrus Rachel). Maeta exudes her signature sexiness in the vocal delivery, never straying away from the tempo and hazy tone brought in by the beat. The video is equally as smooth, seeing Maeta mosey through a red lit nighttime venue that explores a side to the narrative that I would not have guessed judging solely on the lyrics. That was a nice surprise.

"Through the Night" (Ft. Free Nationals) - I have to be honest here and confess that I sort of slept on this song for a minute. I have not hidden the fact that most times I prefer uptempo records and after getting something kind of in the middle on "S(EX)", I was anticipating the second release from the project would be something to turn up with. We eventually got there on "Questions", but I think it made me a bit prejudiced toward "Through the Night". HOWEVER, let me tell you now that the feeling and soul that is woven here is undeniable. We hear a classic vibe and The Free Nationals really set it off with that exceptional bassline, putting a spotlight on Maeta's voice as the instrument that it is. The record certainly builds, from a simmer to a fully fleshed out and lavish love ballad that will definitely be remembered in the time to come.

I cannot end this review without acknowledging that this project could not have come into fruition without the help and input from the upper echelon of the R&B music world. They and Maeta have done good work to establish herself apart from her R&B music contemporaries, giving merit to her impressive voice that has begun to reach the masses more and more.

With each following listen, I have become more BEWITCHED. Maeta continues to expand on her ability to create an ethereal atmosphere that is suspended by her voice, expressing emotions that are deeply personal and authentic. Equal parts melancholy and assuredness, Maeta conveys a confident grasp of this moment in her life, even if that means it is complicated and not all the way figured out. Which if you think about it, is how love can be at times. Her brand of sultry, seductive, singing accompanied with an ear for producing STELLAR, progressive, next level R&B has made her one to watch forever. I hope Maeta is proud of this body of work because I can say with full confidence that those who are listening, definitely are.

Review: Maeta- When I Hear Your Name

Review: Tinashe - Joyride