It’s difficult to believe that “Purple” is soul singer Fatai’s first single. Since making her mark on the Aussie music scene as a contestant on The Voice in 2012, she has gone on to create viral covers of songs like, “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” which was featured on the Australian/NZ soundtrack We Love Disney. Add to this her time supporting Boyce Avenue and Guy Sebastian on tour, and even recording a duet with Sebastian on his latest album, and she already has an impressive CV. So what can we expect for the 20-year-old’s first single? In one word, “purple,” and a whole lot if it.
Soft acoustic guitar ushers in the track, giving you the feeling that this was penned in the intimacy of her room. Just enough percussion to drive the ballad rests solidly beneath the tune, and then Fatai’s vocals begin. Oh my. With tones that live somewhere between Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys, every note is infused with a delicacy and strength that beautifully contradicts itself.
Initially beginning softly, the velvet aspect of the singer’s voice paints the story of her own creation. The theme of “purple” is used to describe Fatai, as she eloquently describes the process by which she was designed and has a purpose in life. Her voice strengthens, altering in its light and shade before we enter the bridge and are able to understand the soulful part of the singer more fully.
Singing “Purple heart / Purple mind / Purple soul / Purple smile / Purple blood running through my veins,” a breakdown makes the song a lot funkier and enables you to hear the great capacity of Fatai’s voice. The addition of strings only builds the depth of the song more, and towards the end, we are left with an all-out soul hit that is cut and produced in a way that allows the vocals to be the master storyteller.
The beauty of “Purple” is not so much its memorable and unique lyrics, although these stand out, but rather the stunning delivery of them. Few singers carry the layers and control that Fatai possesses in her voice, and when they do, they must learn the art of delivering them so they truly touch a listener. In “Purple,” Fatai does all this and more, and with this you come to the realization that by listening to this song you are being welcomed into the most hidden parts of the singer’s heart.