originally posted on Sanskrit Literary Arts Magazine's blog*
Spotify ads are annoying. You know that; and I know that. They aren't even that good. Pamper diapers at least have cute babies. Spotify knows that their ads are annoying. They even know that they are annoying! The only good thing ever to come from non-premium Spotify is Bits of Naaz.
As I was listening to the To All the Boys I've Loved Before soundtrack on Spotify, the betrayal-that-is-the-non-premium-Spotify started playing music that was not on the playlist. I also ran out of skips, so I was just sitting there: looking like a fool who has no control over her life nor her music app. It's like they say though: you meet the love of your life when you least expect it.
Naaz Mohammad, or Naaz for short, is a Dutch singer of Iranian ancestry, got her first breakthrough through Holland's Got Talent. This girl is only a year older than me and has accomplished more than ever will in my entire existence. Since then, she has released singles here and there, but Bits of Naaz is her first album released 20 April 2018.
Now, I do not know anything technical about music. My go to criticisms when it comes to describing music are “what a bop!” (Positive) and “Jesus Christ, turn it off!” (Negative). Luckily for me, my friend, the neighborhood music freak, Ian Keeney had a lot to say since the boy plays about forty-seven million instruments and then some:
“The album is clearly something new and fresh. The vibe hits the mark and accomplished what is going for in terms of music and lyrics. The pop element on all the tracks has no plasticity which means the listener can enjoy it without having to feel like they are listening to something superficially produced. Naaz's voice stands out as she has a unique vocal rhythm and pattern which can be further appreciated by the smooth layering of the vocals. The drum set is not the one traditionally used for pop as the snare hits are crisp and snappy while the base is airy and light . The inspiration from her Kurdish background is evident. The pizzicato”—which I am told is like extreme string plucking— “is also used consistently throughout the album which is a nice touch. Over all, it is hard to say something else besides that it is good. Her album highlights her talent, and Naaz knows it. It is not for everyone though. That is the double-ended sword that is pop. It's pop, but it's also pop. Those who love the music played on the radio will enjoy this album; those who don't like radio music won't.”
My analysis of the album isn't that deep. I loved this album. I fell for it really hard. When I found out that her tour doesn't have a destination in America, I felt devastated like when Jim got rejected by Pam after laying it all on the line for her. This album is the album I know I'm going to be listening to when I experience by first boyfriend, my first heartbreak, my first adult apartment, my first phone call to repairman for a damage in my adult apartment, etc. It's just so powerful! It makes you want to go out there and get hurt just so you can get back up and keep going.
While Ian's favorite song is “Word” (something about the layering of the track and the crispiness of it. I don't know--I already gave him his moment), mine is “As Fun”. It makes me feel things like a song is supposed to. One of my favorite things to do it go to my happy place, and “As Fun” is one of those songs that help me get there. It's quirky, cute, and it's just one of those songs that keep you company while you're in a funk.
While it hurts that more people don't know her, I kind of like the fact that I have her all to myself.
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