London-born, Maryland-raised, Brooklyn-based DJ, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Bad Colours, aka Ibe Solima, unveils his yummy sophomore album, Always With U, via Bastard Jazz Recordings.
Following on the heels of his 2021 debut album, PINK, Always With U includes contributions from Nigerian bassist Akin-Alade Ogo, Carras Paton (saxophone), Dave Giles II, Toribio, N.O.V., Cor.Ece, Jarv Dee, JVDE, and Marcus Harmon. The album also demonstrates the evolution of Bad Colours’ unique sound, a blend of dance, pop, hip-house, jazz, and R&B.
Although Ibe has been actively involved in the music scene for more than a decade, as a DJ and producer for artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Faith Evans, Keyshia Cole, and Rick Ross, the Bad Colours appellation emerged in 2020, followed by the release of his debut album the following year.
Numerous singles throughout 2020 and 2021 included “Feelin’ Like,” featuring Jarv Dee. The song became an underground hit, appearing in Best Buy ads, Hulu’s Woke, and a TikTok video from the Mayor of Madrid. “Feelin’ Like” was featured in Netflix’s Spiderhead, starring Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller.
Encompassing a dozen tracks, Always With U starts off with “Watch Your Tone,” opening on low-slung, smooth waves of R&B-flavored dance music, topped by sotto voce vocals, light and whispery.
Highlights include “Ready,” featuring the delicious rapping flow of N.O.V. over a thumping kick-drum and rumbling bassline. “You Don’t Know” with KAS, Jarv Dee, and JVDE travels on a fat, pulsating rhythm as KAS and Jarv exchange tight rhymes and JVDE’s stacked vocals.
Smooth and sumptuous, “Maybe I Should Move to LA” rides a pushing-lite rhythm as Bad Colours’ silky tones invest the lyrics with cashmere tones. The dreamy rolling motion and psychedelic washes of “Why Can’t We Go Back” hit the sweet spot, cool and lush.
Marcus Harmon’s dazzlingly velvety vocals infuse “Come Closer” with plush timbres, dripping with voluptuous nuances. Hints of disco pervade “Flirtation Avenue,” featuring Foreign Tapes and JVDE. There’s a creamy allure to this track.
A personal favourite because of its luxurious harmonics and wickedly bewitching vocals, “Easy Come, Easy Go” features JVDE. The seductive feel and flow of the song make it magnetically dance-worthy.
Polished and oh-so-luscious, Always With U pumps out swanky layers, contagious beats, and deluxe vocals. Bad Colours has it going on!
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