Feel Every Beat: Discover Keoni Usi's Latest Masterpiece, 7min!
By. Alicia Zamora
Photo Credit: Jenna Nguyen
After eight months of anticipation and hard work, Keoni Usi has finally unveiled his highly awaited project, 7min. This album marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey, showcasing the evolution of his sound and lyrical depth. Prior to this release, Usi launched nine singles, each offering a glimpse into his creative vision and emotional landscape. With 7min, he encapsulates a full spectrum of experiences and sentiments across eight distinct tracks: “LOVING U” “stevie wonder,” “convenience,” “TRUMAN SHOW,” “dads old accord,” “pretty penny,” “D.A.T.T,” and “7 minutes.” Each song delves into personal themes, reflecting Usi's vulnerability and authenticity as an artist. The album is not just a collection of music; it’s an emotionally crafted piece that invites listeners to join him on a journey through his innermost thoughts and feelings, a testament to his courage in sharing what can often be difficult to express. In this project, he embraces the complexity of human emotions, offering a relatable and heartfelt listening experience.
Track 1: LOVING U
“LOVING U” opens the album with warmth and intimacy, wrapping the listener in a comforting embrace. The melody radiates joy, inviting us to share a beautiful moment of connection. Usi’s voice floats effortlessly over soft instrumentals, with lyrics reminding us of love’s profound beauty, as lines like “I forget this world with you” evoke an escape into a cocoon of shared experience. The phrase “you know I feel you” captures the indescribable bond between partners, filled with understanding, trust, and vulnerability. This track transports listeners back to moments of pure love—stolen glances, quiet laughter, and gestures that speak volumes. Usi encapsulates not only the euphoric highs of love but also the security that comes from being fully seen and accepted. The bittersweet beauty of such rare connections invites reflection on our own relationships, urging us to cherish the moments that make us feel alive.
Track 2: stevie wonder
The second track “Stevie Wonder” takes listeners on a poignant emotional journey filled with longing and vulnerability, capturing the deep frustration of feeling ignored in a world that dismisses genuine feelings. The powerful lyrics, "I cry when I'm upset ‘Cause when I yell, no one ever takes me serious. I’m just a puppet on your String, That you drag around. Let me tag around," evoke the pain of being treated like a puppet, yearning for validation and connection. As the music builds, Usi’s expression of feeling unappreciated resonates with anyone who has ever cared deeply for someone who doesn't return that affection. Ultimately, this song underscores the universal need for connection and the importance of truly seeing and listening to one another, stirring reflection and tears for those who've ever felt like outsiders in their own lives.
Track 3: convenience
The third track, "Convenience," stands out as an emotional piece that resonates deeply with many of us and is one of my personal favorites because it captures the raw feelings of vulnerability and the fear of being a burden to others. There’s an aching honesty in the lyrics, especially with the unspoken question: “Am I too much for you?” This sentiment reflects our struggles and the ever-present fear of being a burden to loved ones. The music’s ebb and flow mirrors the fragility of our connections, pulsating with the sentiment of seeking acceptance while fearing rejection. "Convenience" is not just a song; it’s an emotional journey that explores our deepest fears and reminds us of our shared struggles. As it ends, its powerful message lingers, evoking strong emotions and capturing the essence of longing for understanding in a sometimes uncaring world, making it both heartbreaking and beautifully relatable.
Track 4: TRUMAN SHOW
Fourth track “TRUMAN SHOW,” another personal favorite is a track that stands out for its introspective and emotionally complex feel. It delves into themes of control, perception, and the search for personal truth. Usi’s delivery feels raw and beautiful, with vocals that convey a deep vulnerability and emotional resonance. The production is moody and atmospheric, with a slow, steady beat that allows those captivating vocals to take center stage. Usi uses the song to express a sense of isolation and frustration, mirroring the experience of grappling with the feeling that one's existence is being manipulated for others' entertainment. The tension in the track is palpable, with layered sounds providing a sense of unease that enhances the overall emotional impact. The beautiful, reflective tone of the vocals makes "TRUMAN SHOW" one of the more poignant tracks on “7 MIN”, showcasing a side of Usi that is thoughtful and deeply aware of the world around him. The song serves as a metaphor for the feeling of being observed or controlled, raising questions about whether any aspect of life is truly authentic.
Track 5: Dad’s Old Accord
“Dad’s Old Accord,” the fifth track, captures a profound sense of nostalgia, transporting listeners to a time where memories linger like the scent of a favorite childhood sweater. The song feels like a farewell, yet embodies cherished moments etched in the heart. You can almost visualize the old driveway, a reminder of life’s passage, as lyrics like “My little brother’s taller now and all my friends are out of town” evoke the bittersweet feeling of watching life move on. Despite the ache of separation, the line “but at least I have my dad’s old ride” offers a shimmer of hope; that old car becomes a sanctuary of shared love and countless stories. Ultimately, this song beautifully reminds us that while time may change our surroundings, the memories we hold dear will always provide warmth and comfort.
Track 6: pretty penny
Sixth track “pretty penny,” is a beautifully crafted track that masterfully combines smooth production with deeply introspective lyrics. The song exudes a laid-back, jazzy vibe, characterized by a soft yet steady beat that perfectly complements Usi's smooth vocal delivery. Each note contributes to an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting, drawing listeners into an intimate experience. Lyrically, the track explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the transient nature of time, weaving personal reflections into its narrative. The chorus stands out as particularly catchy, yet it also carries an undercurrent of bittersweet reflection that adds emotional depth. This duality creates a profound listening experience, allowing the audience to connect not just with the melody, but with the sentiments expressed. One of the remarkable aspects of "Pretty Penny" is its ability to feel both intimate and expansive. The intricate instrumentation reveals new layers upon each listen, encouraging exploration and contemplation. This depth and richness in sound invite listeners to immerse themselves fully, whether they are drawn in by the lush melodies or the heartfelt lyrics.Its mellow energy and emotional resonance make it a reflective piece that resonates deeply, staying with the listener long after the final note fades away.
Track 7: D.A.T.T
The seventh track, “D.A.T.T,” unfolds as a poignant narrative steeped in raw emotion and haunting memories, cradling the weight of unspoken truths. From the first notes, it evokes a palpable sense of longing and heartache, serving as a desperate letter to the past and a cathartic release for bottled-up feelings. The lyric “We were just two kids making heart shape signs” encapsulates innocent sweetness, conjuring images of carefree days, only to be shattered by the painful acknowledgment of a deeper sorrow, as exemplified in “he was drunk all the time when you’re around.” This line reflects a betrayal of trust, revealing a relationship entangled in dysfunction. The repetition of “he doesn’t drink but he’s drunk all the time” paints a vivid portrait of someone lost not just in alcohol but in an emotional chaos that distorts reality, underscoring the unseen battles many face. Listening to “D.A.T.T” feels like standing at the edge of one’s vulnerabilities, urging you to confront buried truths and overlooked red flags, reminding us of the intricate dance between love and pain. This track transcends mere music to become an emotional experience and an anthem of resilience for those grappling with silent battles, leaving us with aching beauty and introspection long after its final notes fade, ensuring its melody and message resonate deeply within our hearts.
Track 8: 7 minutes
At the heart of this album lies the breathtaking conclusion, the track “7 minutes.” From the very first note, it takes you on an emotional journey that transcends mere music, offering a poignant reflection on life itself. As the song unfolds, you can feel the weight of fleeting moments, encapsulating an entire life in just seven minutes—both haunting and beautiful. It invites deep contemplation of our own paths and the memories etched within our hearts, as Keoni gently guides us through formative moments of joy and sorrow. The lyrics evoke the innocence of childhood, capturing the laughter of sunlit days and the shaky confidence of first steps. Just when you think you can breathe easy, a shift occurs, pulling you into carefree memories and basking in the simplicity of youth. As each minute passes, the tone of the song evolves, mirroring the nuances of lived experience. Lines like “I swear I’ve never seen a smile half as bright as yours” strike a resonant chord, reminding us of love and connection. The music transforms, reflecting moments of growing up, settling down, and love found and lost—each change in melody a bittersweet wave of longing for experiences that can never be recaptured. In its final moments, the haunting stillness leaves us with an overwhelming sense of reflection, as if the weight of our collective experiences bears down on our hearts. “7 minutes” transcends music, inviting us to confront the fragility of time and the beauty woven into every fleeting encounter. As the last notes fade away, we are left with a profound sense of longing and gratitude, understanding that life, though transient, is filled with cherished moments waiting to be embraced.
OVERALL!!
Overall, 7min emerges as a remarkable work that delves deep into the fabric of human experience. It goes beyond just music, serving as a powerful portrayal of life's complexities. Through its evocative lyrics and harmonious compositions, the album explores a spectrum of emotions—from the heights of joy to the depths of sorrow—allowing listeners to find pieces of their own stories within its rhythms. Each song acts as a mirror, reflecting the beauty and struggle that coexist in our lives. 7min is not merely an album; it’s an invitation to reflect, to feel, and to embrace the beautiful messiness of being alive.
