Single Review: Nikki Flores - “Luuna’s Theme”
Hello World! RNB Nerd is here to share my review of “Luuna’s Theme” by singer/songwriter/producer Nikki Flores.
Serving as an in-demand creative behind some of my personal favorite artists (Zayn, JoJo, Mya, NAMIE AMURO ~this one still gets me~, Jordan Sparks, Rita Ora, Hayley Kiyoko, Christina Aguilera, David Guetta, and Markus Schulz), Nikki has used her talents to bless a bevy of hits that span genres. I discovered Nikki by way of those pesky, yet pivotal music leaks that took place in the 2000’s. After coming out from the R&B rabbit hole that really defines a lot of the greatness on Britney Spears’ “Blackout” album, I discovered the songwriting collective known as “The Clutch”. In addition, it was at this time that I began to heavily pursue and obsess over ALL THINGS Danja (aka Danjahandz aka Nathaniel Hills aka MAD SCIENTIST genius!) So, in true RNB Nerd form, not a day would pass by where I would not search and forage for that next exciting piece of music that I could find from these greats. Enter: “Beautiful Boy” by Nikki Flores.
Nikki showed out completely and entirely, singing DOWN what I could only assume was probably a Keri Hilson demo of the track. It is rare when the singer of a song is THIS close to (what I think is) the original, but Nikki bodies this and I highly recommend that you give this a listen before you move further. Aside from that and Nikki’s cover of “Fast Car”, I somehow lost track of her whereabouts and it would be sometime until my J-pop obsession would manifest the next time I would read her name again some years later. Having written on the MASSIVE global hit that was “Golden Touch” for Japan’s biggest pop star – Namie Amuro, I recall feeling so gracious and happy to not only see Nikki score this big moment but because it was with a Japanese artist that I had known and loved for years. I still can’t shake how much more connected to the music I felt because of this. What were the odds that Nikki Flores and Namie Amuro, two people who individually made a big impact on my life, somehow came together? And to write a song that still holds up today? This was one moment where I truly said to myself, “It’s a small world”.
ANYWAYS – today is about “Luuna’s Theme” and the record is gorgeous – plain and simple. As I take in the record’s sweet inflections, my mind begins to spin with the entirety of Nikki’s writing and production catalogue, pinpointing all the places that her influence can be felt in those other songs. The ease at which Nikki subtly flexes on us all is really just her showing us who she is when it comes to writing and vocal production. THIS IS HER BRAND. If you know her work, then I am sure you would find it hard to disagree.
Gentle harps and a slight beat-knock let Nikki’s impressive tone shine with undeniable control and SOUL. The highlight for me are the runs that really kick it up a notch. Once they have taken off, they end up going deeper than I could have ever imagined. Where they land is something that still gets to me, and I find myself singing them over and over. It brings a smile to my face to hear our Nikki from “Beautiful Boy” singing with such confidence and a resonance that is light and vulnerable. For this being a more personal record, the song feels intimate but still connects instantly with engaging sounds that feel real and authentic.
Nikki described the song on Instagram by saying:
"Luuna” represents this clarity; a mirror, my Higher self, a version of me from the future or another place or time who is fully embodied, who is first to advocate for herself and for others, who gladly lets go of what no longer serves her, who is strong and wise and accepts nothing less than she deserves. She knows that on the other side of every challenge there is growth and information. She welcomes the darkness, for it is where she shines the brightest. She’s yours and mine.
Learning that the message in her song is a universal one, it becomes easy to see that the experience is one that you feel, that I feel, that we all feel in one way or another. We all need “Luuna’s Theme” in our life, and I hope my review encourages you to push play on this very beautiful record.
