Wafia – Background [Single + Video]

Wafia‘s latest offering, “Background,” produced by Joey Resly and out now via Heartburn Records and Nettwerk Music Group, maneuvers through the familiar territory of pop with a classic beat that might echo the staples of the genre a bit too closely for some but still brings a measured blend of catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics. Though it’s got this bouncy pop melody, there’s this faint whiff of sadness in the song, investigating the knotty web of a relationship where both folks are chasing after fame.

“Background” stretches Wafia‘s vocals across a buoyant, yet straightforward pop-rock arrangement, her voice wrapping softly around the beat with an intimacy that hints at deeper emotional layers. The lyrics, “Whatever you do I wanna do it with you gently/ I’ll follow you wherever you go if you let me/ Keep me closer at your fingertips/ And if you need me now/ Baby, I’ll be in the background,” suggest a story about being there for someone with kindness and loyalty, showing how sometimes it’s about putting others first to lift them up.. However, despite the good writing, some might find Wafia‘s delivery a tad monochromatic, hinting at the missed potential for a more stirring, emotive ballad that could have truly showcased her ability to navigate complex emotional waters.

Shot against the fall scenery of Amsterdam, the music video that comes along with the single really adds to the song’s vibe. It tells a story visually that matches the introspective feel of the song, without taking away from it at all. Here, Wafia dives into the dance most of us find ourselves bobbing and weaving through when it comes to balancing our individual dreams and those we share with others with a whisper-like timbre. That said, her performance might leave some yearning for a pinch more dynamism—something to shake up the formulaic echoes of past pop anthems. 

“Background” 100% succeeds at pulling you into its orbit. Even if it occasionally treads too lightly over ground ripe for deeper exploration, it’s a track that fits neatly into Wafia‘s catalog, marrying a catchy hook with sincere songwriting. And while it could stand out more with an added jolt of energy, it sticks the landing when it comes to getting your body moving and your thoughts wandering.

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